U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio says the Trump administration will determine in the coming days whether Russia is genuinely interested in peace talks with Ukraine. This reflects President Trump’s growing concerns about Russian leader Vladimir Putin.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated on Sunday that the Trump administration will soon determine whether Moscow is “playing us” regarding peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine. This reflects growing frustration from President Donald Trump toward Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Why It Matters
The war, which began with Putin’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, has entered its third year. Donald Trump, upon returning to the presidency, vowed to end the conflict within 24 hours. However, months have passed without any tangible results. Last month, Trump admitted that Putin is “just keeping me in the game” and said it was time for the U.S. to reassess its stance toward Moscow.
Last week, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visited Turkey and proposed a direct meeting with Putin. However, the Kremlin rejected the offer and sent a low-level delegation to the talks. The Istanbul meetings yielded no progress.
On Friday, Trump announced that he would call Putin on Monday with the aim of ending the “bloody war in Ukraine.” He also said he would speak with Zelensky and push for a joint ceasefire.
Rubio's Warning and Optimism
Speaking on CBS's Face the Nation, Secretary Rubio said that the success of diplomatic efforts with Russia would become clear in the coming days.
“There was a meeting in Turkey recently. Both sides agreed to submit written proposals regarding a ceasefire,” Rubio said. “If these documents contain serious and logical terms, that would indicate progress. Otherwise, we’ll assess the situation differently.”
While acknowledging that the war is “bloody, costly, and destructive,” Rubio emphasized the importance of patience. He believes a real turning point in negotiations can only come through direct dialogue between Trump and Putin.
Kremlin Open to Talks — But With Conditions
President Putin is reportedly willing to engage in talks but insists that any agreement must address the root causes of the conflict. According to RBC News Agency, Putin has listed the “security of Russian-speaking populations” in disputed territories as a key condition.
New Sanctions on the Table
Meanwhile, the U.S. Senate is preparing to introduce a new and “veto-proof” package of sanctions against Russia. The bill, spearheaded by Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, reportedly has more than 73 co-sponsors.
Rubio clarified that the sanctions would not alter the administration’s peace efforts:
“For the past six or seven weeks, we’ve been sending clear messages to Russia about these initiatives. These sanctions are part of a broader process that is beyond our control but enjoys strong bipartisan support.”
Trump’s Harsh Remarks
During a press briefing in Qatar last week, Trump told reporters that an average of 5,000 soldiers are dying weekly on the battlefield:
“I’m looking at satellite images... there are heads, arms, and legs scattered everywhere. It’s horrific.”
On Saturday, Trump posted on Truth Social that he plans to call Putin at 10:00 AM Monday, followed by calls to Zelensky and NATO leaders:
“I hope this will be a productive day. A ceasefire will be achieved, and this terrible war will come to an end. God bless us all!”
Political Reactions
Senator John Kennedy called for maximum pressure on Putin:
“The only way to deal with Putin is to show him and his country that they’re ready to become fish bait.”
Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa wrote on X:
“Enough is enough! Trump, please impose the harshest sanctions on Putin. It’s clear he’s using America like a toy.”
What’s Next?
Trump’s upcoming calls with Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelensky could mark a real step toward peace. In the hours ahead, close attention will be paid to how these talks impact the situation in the region.
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Beijing has issued a geological disaster alert for most of the city after intense rainfall triggered fears of landslides and flash floods. Nearby Baoding saw more than a year's worth of rain fall in just eight hours, displacing thousands and breaking historical records.
Australia has signed a long-term defence treaty with Britain to deepen cooperation on the AUKUS nuclear submarine initiative over the next 50 years, the government announced on Saturday.
Pakistani FM Ishaq Dar said that Pakistan and the United States are 'very close' to finalising a trade agreement, suggesting the deal could be reached within days. However, U.S. officials made no mention of a specific timeline following Dar’s meeting with Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
At a United Nations Security Council meeting on Friday, the United States called on China to stop supporting Russia’s military efforts in Ukraine, accusing Beijing of enabling Moscow’s aggression through the export of dual-use goods.
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