Rubio: Trump focuses on peace, while Europe pushes war

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said during his recent trip to Rome that he encountered views suggesting Europe desires war, whereas the United States seeks peace.

“One of the cardinals I was meeting with, President, the day before the Papal Mass, said to me 'You know, it is very unusual for us, you know, we have an American president that wants peace, and some of the Europeans that are constantly talking about doing the war stuff.' So it's kind of the world upside down in their mind,” Rubio told attendees at the Kennedy Center Board dinner.

Rubio also noted that President Trump aims to reduce large defence spending, arguing that funds would be better invested in economic development, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media.

To recall, Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a phone call lasting over two hours, discussing the war in Ukraine and the possibility of an in-person meeting. Putin confirmed the call, with Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov describing it as “candid and comprehensive,” covering many global issues including Ukraine.

After the call, Trump said on Truth Social that the conversation went “very well” and announced that Russia and Ukraine would start negotiations on a ceasefire and ending the war. He noted negotiation details would be known only to the parties involved.

Trump also suggested Russia wanted large-scale trade with the US post-war and that both Russia and Ukraine could benefit from reconstruction. He claimed to have informed Ukrainian President Zelenskyy and European leaders about the call and mentioned the Vatican’s interest in hosting future talks.

By Aghakazim Guliyev