Rubio: US working to set up Putin-Zelenskyy meeting under Trump’s mediation

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington is working to arrange a direct meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, following talks hosted by President Donald Trump with European leaders in Washington.

Speaking in an interview with Fox News, Rubio mentioned that he was present during the phone call that the US president had with Russian President Vladimir Putin in the middle of talks with Ukrainian and European leaders, noting that a meeting was suggested during the call, Caliber.Az reports.

“What came from it is that the President suggested that Zelenskyy and Putin meet, so we’re working on that now to try to set that up for them to meet somewhere, which, again, would be unprecedented,” he noted. 

Rubio added that if such a meeting takes place, Trump’s next step would be to convene a three-way summit with himself, Putin, and Zelenskyy to finalise a possible deal.

“But just the fact that Putin is saying, sure, I’ll meet with Zelenskyy – that’s a big deal.  I mean, I’m not saying they’re going to leave that room best friends.  I’m not saying they’re going to leave that room with a peace deal.  But I think the fact that people are now talking to each other, this wasn’t happening for three and a half years.  This was a stalemated war of death and destruction,” he stressed. 

The Secretary stressed that both sides would have to make concessions for peace to be possible.

“In any negotiation to bring about the end of a war or any conflict for that matter, it’s going to require both sides to receive but also to give.  In essence, one side is not going to get 100 percent here.  Each side is going to have to make some concessions.  And obviously, land or where you draw those lines – where the war stops – is going to be part of that conversation.  And it’s not easy, and maybe it’s not even fair, but it’s what it takes in order to bring about an end to a war.  And that’s been true in every war,” Rubio stated. 

Rubio said the priority is ensuring Ukraine’s security after the conflict. 

“I think everyone understands that some of the key elements to bringing this about is Ukraine has to feel safe moving forward. In essence, they have to believe that at the end of this war, they are in a position to never get invaded again,” he added.

He also noted a shift in US and European policy under Trump, stating that the country is no longer giving Ukraine weapons or money, but instead, “selling them weapons, and European countries are paying for it through NATO”. 

According to Rubio, Trump’s role has been pivotal.

“President Trump is the only leader in the world – acknowledged by all the Europeans – that can talk to both of them and bring them both to a meeting,” he said. “The fact that he’s willing to do it is something that every American, including Democrats, should be happy about. We should be proud that we have a President that’s made peace a priority in his administration.”

By Sabina Mammadli