US official rejects European plan to drag out Ukraine war, insists on peaceful resolution

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has expressed doubts about Europe's strategy regarding the war in Ukraine, criticizing certain European officials for hoping to prolong the conflict in an attempt to weaken Russia.

Rubio revealed that a foreign minister from an unnamed European country had shared a plan to let the war continue for another year, with the aim of forcing Russia to seek peace due to mounting pressure, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

The Secretary of State explained that in his discussions with European counterparts, he had inquired about their long-term strategy for ending the war. He was told that the goal was to allow the conflict to drag on for another year, in the hope that Russia would be sufficiently weakened by then to come to the negotiating table. "That’s not a very realistic plan, in my opinion," Rubio remarked, although he declined to name the European official involved in the conversation.

Rubio also responded to recent statements from the EU foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, who expressed support for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy after his tense meeting with US President Donald Trump at the White House. Kallas had commented that "the free world needs a new leader," suggesting that Europeans should assume a more prominent role in global diplomacy.

Rubio dismissed Kallas' remarks as "silly games," questioning what the European leaders' plans were for actually bringing the conflict to an end. "What is their plan for completion?" Rubio asked, adding, "The only person who is really trying to end this conflict is the president of the United States, Donald Trump."

Despite the ongoing tensions and differences in approach between the US and Europe, Rubio remained optimistic that the war could eventually be brought to a conclusion. He emphasized the need for a coherent and realistic strategy, one that does not rely on prolonging the conflict in hopes of weakening Russia. Rubio's comments underscore the growing divide in international perspectives on the most effective route to peace and stability in the region.

As the war in Ukraine enters a prolonged phase, debates continue over the best approach to secure peace while safeguarding Ukraine’s sovereignty.

By Vafa Guliyeva