US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said he currently sees no prospect of resolving Russia’s war against Ukraine through negotiations. At the same time, Washington is ready to play a constructive role if an opportunity for a diplomatic solution emerges.
Rubio said this in an interview with the Greek outlet Kathimerini.
As Rubio stressed, the full-scale war has entered its fifth year and is now in a state of strategic deadlock. He noted that such situations can end either in negotiations or in escalation that could spill beyond the original conflict.
"At present, there appears to be no prospect of a negotiated settlement. We are prepared to play whatever role we can to achieve that. We have tried in the past, but so far this goal remains out of reach because the Russians make full control of Donetsk Region a condition, which Ukraine rejects as unacceptable," the head of the State Department explained.
The Secretary of State also voiced concern about the possibility of further escalation. He mentioned new attacks on vessels in the Black Sea and said he was worried about possible sabotage.
Rubio added that there are clear signs Russia intends to use the coming winter to destroy what remains of Ukraine’s energy system and thereby force Ukraine to capitulate. At the same time, Ukraine has strengthened its ability to carry out long-range strikes deep inside Russian territory.
- During a visit by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the US proposed holding a new trilateral meeting with the Russians in the UAE.
- So far, the trilateral talks involving Ukraine, the US and Russia, which were planned for early October, have still not taken place, and Moscow, according to The Kyiv Independent, is showing no interest in quickly agreeing a date for the meeting.
- One of the key issues for any potential talks is expected to be a halt to strikes on energy infrastructure; however, in Kyiv they believe Russia may not rush into an agreement while it remains able to continue its attacks.