Rubio Says War Is About Donbas, Requires Diplomatic Compromise

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has asserted that the war between Russia and Ukraine is focused on the Donbas region. He claims that a military resolution is impossible and that the conflict can only be ended through diplomatic negotiations with mutual concessions. Speaking on Thursday, Rubio responded to questions about how the US might mediate an end to the conflict following Russian President Vladimir Putin's conditional statements about participating in a tripartite summit with the US and Ukraine.

Rubio described the conflict as an impasse over a specific piece of territory, noting that Russia desires control over 11% of Ukrainian land but cannot conquer it militarily, while Ukraine refuses to relinquish any sovereign territory. The US administration has been actively working to find diplomatic solutions, with President Trump dedicating significant resources to this effort.

Rubio stated that neither side can win a military victory and that an armistice must be brokered through talks. He emphasized that direct negotiations between Russia and Ukraine are crucial, positioning the US as a neutral mediator. At the same time, President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine has set clear red lines for any peace framework, rejecting proposals that require territorial sacrifices.

Zelensky clarified that Russia currently occupies 19.3% of Ukrainian land, and Ukraine would never recognize these areas as Russian territory. While open to a temporary ceasefire, Zelensky insists that Ukrainian sovereignty cannot be compromised. US special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are currently working on organizing a summit involving the three leaders, with potential meeting locations in the Middle East or Europe.