Rubio Urges Quick Peace Deal Between Russia and Ukraine

Iruni Kalupahana, Jadetimes Staff

I. Kalupahana is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Russia-Ukraine war

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Image Source: Saul Loeb

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Sunday that there needs to be a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine soon. He warned that the U.S. cannot continue to invest time and resources if talks do not bear fruit.

Rubio, on NBC's "Meet the Press," said, "This week is going to be very significant. We need to make a decision whether to continue to assist or to turn our attention to other matters."

He spoke after President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy met in Rome for the funeral of Pope Francis. Both presidents wished to revive stalled efforts at stopping the war. Zelenskiy called the meeting "historic," and the White House said it was "very productive."

Rubio stated the U.S. has withheld new sanctions on Russia to give diplomacy an opportunity but warned Trump has other options if peace efforts break down. "We do want diplomacy, but we are ready to act if we have to," he said.

The U.S. Senate Minority Leader, Chuck Schumer, expressed concern, meanwhile, that Trump would "cave in to Putin."

Apart from the peace talks, Rubio emphasized that there must be ongoing strong support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. He further stated that whatever deal is struck, it must ensure Ukraine's independence and security in the future.

Global observers have stated pressure is mounting on all fronts to find a solution, as the war has stretched global energy supplies and raised alarm about regional stability in Europe.