Rubio on Ukraine talks: we are not interested in endless meetings that lead to nothing
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has acknowledged that peace negotiations on Ukraine have stalled but said Washington is ready to continue mediating if the talks become constructive.
Source: Rubio speaking to journalists in Sweden on Friday 22 May, as reported by European Pravda
Details: Rubio again acknowledged that the negotiations between Ukraine and Russia mediated by the US have not produced meaningful results. He also rejected claims that Washington is pressuring Ukraine and reiterated the US willingness to continue acting as a mediator.
Quote: "Despite leaks that are not true, despite stories out there about us forcing the Ukrainians to take this position or that position, which are not true. If we see an opportunity to pull together talks that are productive, not counterproductive, and that have the chance to be fruitful, we're prepared to play that role."
Details: Rubio said that such talks are not currently taking place.
"But we hope that will change because that war can only end with a negotiated settlement. It will not end with a military victory by one side or the other, at least from a traditional standpoint of how military victories are defined," he noted.
The secretary of state added that there appears to be no one else in the world currently capable of facilitating a settlement between Ukraine and Russia. However, he noted that "if someone else would like to handle it, they should".
Quote: "So, we're more than happy to do that if the opportunity presents itself to have constructive and productive talks. We're also not interested in getting involved in an endless cycle of meetings that lead to nothing."
Background:
- On 20 May, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported "productive" interactions with the US, expressing hope that peace talks with Russia could resume, potentially with European participation.
- Trilateral talks between Ukraine, the US and Russia have effectively stalled since the US-Israeli war against Iran began in late February. Ukraine and Russia have, however, maintained bilateral contact with the US.
- EU foreign ministers will discuss the strengths of possible candidates for the role of negotiator with Russia on a peace settlement in Ukraine at a meeting in Cyprus next week.
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