Trump Open to Any Diplomatic Path Toward Just Peace in Ukraine, Rubio Says
ANTALYA – The top US diplomat Marco Rubio said Thursday, May 15, that President Donald Trump wants to see progress made in ending Russia’s war in Ukraine “in the next couple of days,” and that he is open to any mechanism that would result in a just peace in the war between Russia and Ukraine.
“The President of the United States has been abundantly clear he wants the war to end,” Rubio said, speaking ahead of an informal meeting of foreign ministers in Antalya, according to a Kyiv Post reporter traveling with him.
He added that there was no military solution to the conflict.
“Whatever mechanism is outlined, whatever the processes that need to happen, we are open to being constructive and helpful in any way we can to end the conflict,” Rubio said.
“This war is going to end not through a military solution, but through a diplomatic and the sooner an agreement can be reached on ending this war, the less people, less people will die, and the less destruction there will be,” he added.
Rubio and NATO Chief Mark Rutte were speaking to reporters as the top diplomats from the Alliance member countries gathered at Antalya’s NEST Convention Center to discuss their coordinated efforts in support of Ukraine.
The foreign ministers will focus on boosting defense investment as the Alliance is sketching out a plan to meet Donald Trump’s call for 5% of GDP on defense.
Rubio mentioned the US President’s budget proposal for a trillion dollars in defense spending, aimed at addressing 21st-century threats.
“Obviously, the big issue on everyone’s mind is what’s happening with Russia and Ukraine,” he said.
“We’re in a very difficult spot right now that we can find steps forward and provide for the end of this war in a negotiated way, and the prevention of that war in the future as a result,” he added.
NATO Chief Mark Rutte also told reporters earlier that he was “cautiously optimistic” that progress toward peace in Ukraine could be made in the next couple of weeks “if also the Russians are willing to play ball.”
“Ukraine is ready to commit to a ceasefire and immediate negotiations. That’s absolutely clear,” Rutte said.
“The ball is now clearly in the Russian court,” the NATO chief said.
Source: Alex Raufoglu