Camilla Jessen
Rubio says the U.S. has outlined a path to peace for Ukraine and Russia, but now both sides must agree.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Wednesday that the Trump administration has presented a roadmap to peace between Ukraine and Russia, and it is now up to both sides to agree to the terms.
Speaking from the Oval Office alongside Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, Rubio said:
First of all, our partners have been offered options to discuss the things that will be necessary to end the war. This war can be ended. Both sides have to agree to that. We showed them the path forward.
Rubio said discussions on the proposal have already begun and will continue in the coming days.
“There was a good meeting yesterday. There will be good meetings over the weekend. We’ve shown them the finish line. We need both of them—Ukraine and Russia—to say ‘yes,’” he added.
He also condemned a recent Russian missile strike on Kyiv, calling it a reminder of the urgency to end the conflict.
“Everyone should be thankful to the president for being a peacemaker and trying to save lives. That’s what we’re trying to do here,” Rubio said.
The secretary stressed that the U.S. is not a party to the war.
“This is not our war. We didn’t start it, as you know, but we are trying to end the killing. We are trying to end the destruction, and we have shown the path forward,” he said.
Rubio reiterated that the administration remains committed to doing “everything possible” to help both sides reach an agreement.
According to earlier reports, the U.S. is expected to insist that any peace deal include recognition of Ukraine’s right to maintain an independent military and defense sector. That issue is expected to be raised by U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff in upcoming talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin.