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Rubio Expresses Frustration After Ukraine Peace Talks Falter
US Senator Marco Rubio has expressed deep frustration after the latest peace talks between Ukraine and Russia ended with no meaningful progress. Rubio had participated in the discussions during a diplomatic visit to Southeast Asia, where high-level meetings were held with the aim of finding a resolution to the ongoing war. One of the key meetings included a closed-door session with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, which failed to reach any compromise.
Russia’s Demands Called “Unacceptable”
Rubio told reporters that Russia continues to insist on unacceptable conditions, particularly the recognition of its territorial control over parts of eastern Ukraine and Crimea. He stressed that these terms cannot form the basis of any peace agreement, as they violate Ukraine’s sovereignty and the international rules-based order. “I don’t want to overpromise,” Rubio said, “but the talks have clearly reached a dead end.”
Support for Ukraine Will Continue
Rubio, a strong supporter of military assistance to Ukraine, had recently backed a $60 billion aid package passed by the US Congress. He argued that diplomatic efforts must be paired with continued pressure on Russia, both militarily and economically. He warned that dialogue alone is not enough to deter further aggression and emphasized the need for a firm stance from the West.
Broader Frustration in the West
The Ukraine war has now entered its third year with little sign of resolution. Russia maintains control over key regions, while Ukraine continues to fight back with support from NATO and its allies. Many Western lawmakers share Rubio’s frustration over stalled peace efforts and fear the conflict could become a long-term deadlock.
The Biden administration has maintained that any future peace deal must be acceptable to Ukraine, but some critics say a more proactive diplomatic approach may be necessary to shift the situation on the ground.
