US Secretary Rubio Questions Russia's Commitment to Ukraine Peace Talks
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Saturday cast doubt on Russia's seriousness about ending the Ukraine war, as Washington intensifies efforts to broker a swift peace agreement. Speaking at the Munich Security Conference, Rubio noted the conflict is approaching its fifth year with continued uncertainty over Moscow's negotiation intentions.
"We don't know if the Russians are serious about ending the war," Rubio stated, according to AFP reports. His remarks come as fresh US-mediated talks between Russian and Ukrainian envoys are scheduled for next week in Geneva.
Diplomacy Amid Continued Conflict
The diplomatic push unfolds against a backdrop of ongoing violence. Officials confirmed on Saturday that a Russian drone strike on Odesa killed one person after hitting a residential building. Simultaneously, a Ukrainian missile strike killed two people and injured five in the Russian border city of Belgorod.
The Geneva discussions, confirmed by both the Kremlin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's communications adviser, are timed just days before the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion. Previous US-led efforts, including two rounds of talks in Abu Dhabi, have failed to resolve key differences, particularly regarding the future of Ukraine's Donbas region, much of which remains under Russian control.
Reassuring European Allies
In Munich, Rubio also addressed European concerns about transatlantic relations under President Donald Trump's administration. "We do not seek to separate, but to revitalize an old friendship and renew the greatest civilization in human history," he declared. "What we want is a reinvigorated alliance."
Rubio emphasized that "We want Europe to be strong. We believe that Europe must survive," adding that the US and Europe "belong together." According to AP reports, he acknowledged Washington's tone might appear blunt but explained it reflects a demand for "seriousness and reciprocity" from allies.
"In a time of headlines heralding the end of the trans-Atlantic era, let it be known and clear to all that this is neither our goal nor our wish," Rubio asserted.
Criticism of Global Institutions
Rubio further criticized international organizations, stating the United Nations had "played virtually no role" in resolving major conflicts, including the war in Gaza. His speech marked a notably softer approach compared to last year's address by US Vice President JD Vance.
The Munich conference saw European leaders calling for renewed trust and greater defense responsibility within NATO, with the Ukraine war dominating discussions. Rubio's comments reflect ongoing diplomatic challenges as both military engagements and peace negotiations proceed simultaneously.
The upcoming Geneva talks represent another critical attempt to bridge the substantial gaps between Russian and Ukrainian positions, with the international community closely monitoring whether this diplomatic initiative can achieve what previous efforts have not.
