US Secretary of State affirms Ukraine, Europe’s crucial role in securing lasting peace with Russia

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stressed that both Ukraine and Europe will play a crucial role in any "real negotiations" aimed at ending Russia's war in Ukraine, signaling that the talks between the US and Russia in Saudi Arabia would serve as a key moment to gauge Russian President Vladimir Putin’s commitment to peace.

Rubio addressed European concerns about being excluded from the initial talks taking place in Riyadh. He reassured that, while negotiations are still in their preliminary stages, both Ukraine and European nations would be involved as the process develops, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media. 

Rubio explained, "Ultimately, it will reach a point - if it's real negotiations, and we're not there yet - but if that were to happen, Ukraine will have to be involved because they're the ones that were invaded, and the Europeans will have to be involved because they have sanctions on Putin and Russia as well." He emphasized that the talks were still in the early phases, and Ukraine and Europe would have to be included in the process once it advances.

The remarks came after US officials had issued a questionnaire to European leaders, asking how many troops they could commit to enforcing a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine, further raising questions about Europe's involvement in the peace process.

Rubio also reflected on recent conversations between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, which he described as a step in the right direction.

"President Trump spoke to Vladimir Putin last week, and in it, Vladimir Putin expressed his interest in peace, and the president expressed his desire to see an end to this conflict in a way that was enduring and that protected Ukrainian sovereignty," Rubio said. However, he cautioned that the phone call needed to be followed by concrete action. "Now, obviously it has to be followed up by action, so the next few weeks and days will determine whether it's serious or not. Ultimately, one phone call does not make peace," Rubio added.

Despite concerns about the exclusion of Ukraine and European leaders, Rubio and US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff  rejected any notion that they would be sidelined in the negotiations. Witkoff pointed out that Ukrainian officials had engaged with US representatives in recent days at the Munich Security Conference, and that Trump had personally spoken with Zelensky the previous week.

In conclusion, Rubio reaffirmed that any meaningful peace process would require Ukraine and Europe’s involvement, ensuring that their interests and contributions are integral to securing a lasting peace agreement.

By Vafa Guliyeva