Speaking on CBS News’ Face the Nation on August 17, Marco Rubio underlined that the United States is not in a position to accept or reject Russian President Vladimir Putin’s demands. Instead, he noted, the decision lies solely with Ukraine, which continues to bear the brunt of the conflict that has dragged on for over three years.
“The US is not in a position to accept or reject anything because ultimately it’s up to the Ukrainians. They are the ones Russia has to make peace with,” Rubio said.
Rubio emphasised that a sustainable peace deal would require compromises from both Kyiv and Moscow. “If one side gets everything they want, that’s called surrender. And that’s not what we’re close to doing, because neither side here is on the verge of surrender,” he explained.
According to reports, proposals discussed during the Alaska meeting included a Russian withdrawal from small occupied areas in exchange for Ukraine handing over fortified eastern regions and freezing battle lines elsewhere. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, however, has reportedly rejected such a plan.
Recently, US President Donald Trump met Vladimir Putin at a military base in Alaska, calling the discussions “extremely productive.” Trump claimed that “many points” were agreed upon, but clarified, “there is no deal until there is a deal.”
Rubio refused to disclose specific details of the Alaska talks but hinted at “concepts and ideas” that could serve as potential breakthroughs. He emphasised the importance of bringing Putin and Zelenskyy to the same table, a demand Kyiv has long made.
Trump is expected to meet Zelenskyy and European leaders at the White House on August 18, to continue discussions. The meeting is being closely watched, noting that European leaders are increasingly wary of any compromise that would legitimise Russian territorial gains.
Rubio maintained that Washington’s role was to facilitate negotiations rather than dictate terms, reiterating: “We want to wind up with a peace deal that ends this war so Ukraine can rebuild and be assured this never happens again.”
