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Washington, D.C. — August 17, 2025
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated on Sunday that both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will need to make significant concessions if a peace agreement is to be reached to end the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Speaking on CBS’s Face the Nation, Rubio emphasized that a resolution to the conflict cannot be one-sided.
“If one side gets everything they want, that’s called surrender,” Rubio said. “And that’s not what we’re close to doing, because neither side here is on the verge of surrender, or anything close to it”.
Rubio’s remarks come just days after President Donald Trump met with President Putin in Anchorage, Alaska, for a high-stakes summit aimed at exploring pathways to peace. While Trump described the meeting as “extremely productive,” no ceasefire was announced, and key issues remain unresolved.
Key Issues for Negotiation
Rubio outlined several critical areas that require compromise:
- Security guarantees for Ukraine
- Territorial boundaries and contested regions
- Long-term reconstruction and international support for Ukraine
He noted that while some concepts were discussed with Putin, further coordination with European partners and Ukrainian leadership is essential before any formal agreement can be reached.
Upcoming White House Meeting
President Trump is set to host President Zelensky and a delegation of European leaders at the White House on Monday. The meeting is expected to build on discussions from the Alaska summit and explore concrete steps toward a negotiated settlement.
Rubio dismissed speculation that European leaders were attending to shield Zelensky from pressure, stating the visit was pre-arranged and part of ongoing diplomatic efforts.
U.S. Position on Peace and Sanctions
Rubio reiterated that the United States remains committed to facilitating a peace deal but acknowledged that failure to reach an agreement would result in continued—and potentially expanded—sanctions against Russia.
“Ultimately, if we’re not going to be able to reach an agreement here at any point, then there are going to be consequences,” he said, referencing both the ongoing conflict and economic penalties.
While a ceasefire remains a possibility, Rubio clarified that the administration’s goal is a comprehensive peace agreement that ensures long-term stability for Ukraine and the region.
Marco-Rubio-Picture-by-Michael-Vadon
