US Secretary of State cautiously optimistic about Ukraine-Russia peace

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed cautious optimism regarding the potential for an end to the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, acknowledging that significant work remains to be done to achieve peace.

"I think there is reason to be cautiously optimistic. But by the same token, we continue to recognize this is a difficult and complex situation," Rubio said, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media.

He emphasized that while progress is being made, the path to peace will not be easy. "It will not be easy, it will not be simple, but we certainly feel like we're at least some steps closer to ending this war and bringing peace. But it's still a long journey," Rubio added.

The Secretary of State also outlined plans for further diplomatic efforts, noting that after US special envoy Steve Witkoff returns from overseas, they will reconvene to discuss next steps. "President Donald Trump will have options available to him, and decisions will be made after that," Rubio said.

During a meeting with Witkoff on March 13, Russian President Vladimir Putin welcomed the US-backed 30-day ceasefire plan, which had also been accepted by Kyiv. However, Putin insisted that any truce must ultimately lead to a lasting settlement that addresses the root causes of the conflict.

Rubio reiterated that a military solution to the war is not feasible. "Two separate processes. Process number one is, what do we need from both sides in order to stop the shooting and the fighting so that you can get to a negotiating table, that's the second phase," he explained.

He stressed that neither Russia nor Ukraine could achieve their "maximalist" military objectives. "The only way to end this war is through a process of negotiations. Negotiations, be it in business, in commerce or in geopolitics, involves both sides giving something, both sides making concessions. That's just obvious," Rubio concluded.

By Vafa Guliyeva