US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, on behalf of the United States, congratulated the people of Ukraine on the 35th anniversary of Independence.
This is stated in Rubio’s press statement.
“Today, 35 years after Ukraine declared independence from the Soviet Union on 24 August 1991, the United States reaffirms the long-standing co-operation between our countries,” he said.
Rubio added that the United States is committed to Ukraine’s sovereignty and continues to work to resolve the Russia–Ukraine war through negotiations, “which will result in a lasting and durable peace”.
“On this Independence Day, as Ukrainians honour the history of their state and celebrate their courage, innovation and resilience, the United States reaffirms its firm commitment to strengthening the economic and security ties between our countries and to paving the way to peace and prosperity for both our peoples,” the US Secretary of State added.
Talks to End the War
- President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that US negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are trying to find a format for talks with Russia. But it is difficult to find an option the Russians will agree to without Ukraine leaving Donetsk Region.
- Last year and at the start of this year, Ukraine, the United States and Russia held trilateral meetings to discuss a plan to end the war. At the centre of the discussions is a 20-point plan developed with the support of the United States.
- Territorial issues remained unresolved. Russia is demanding the creation of a “demilitarised zone” in the free part of Donbas — that is, the withdrawal of Ukraine’s army from there. Ukraine believes the war should be ended along the current lines. As a compromise, the United States is proposing a free economic zone, but the mechanics of the proposal and whether Russia would in that case install its own authorities there remain unclear.
- Also, the enemy wants the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant recognised as belonging to it and the plant connected to Russia’s energy system. Ukraine is proposing joint management of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant together with the United States, with Americans having the right to decide for themselves to whom to sell their share of the energy.
- The trilateral meetings stopped in February after the start of the US–Israeli operation against Iran.