Rubio: Russia-Ukraine war to continue if both sides refuse concessions

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on March 27 that the continuation of the conflict in Ukraine depends on decisions and concessions from both Kyiv and Moscow.

Speaking to reporters, Rubio emphasised that the United States has communicated Russia’s demands to Ukraine but is not advocating for them. “It’s their choice to make. It’s not for us to make for them. We’ve never told them they have to take it or leave it,” he said.

Rubio added that the U.S. role has been to identify the positions of both sides and try to find a middle ground. “The decision ultimately is up to Ukraine. If they don’t want to make – if they don’t want to make certain decisions or certain concessions, then the war keeps going. Same with the Russian side: If they don’t want to make certain concessions to the Ukrainian side, then the war keeps going,” he said.

He concluded that the U.S. will continue to facilitate negotiations where possible, but warned that “if it’s not possible, then the war will continue, sadly.”