U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed the view that no war between Russia and Ukraine ends without territorial concessions, and in negotiations both sides must not only receive but also give. Such statements were made on Fox News.
No side here will get 100%. Each side must make certain concessions. And, obviously, the question of where to draw the line, at which the war will end, will be part of these negotiations. It is not easy, perhaps even unfair. But it is necessary to bring an end to the war. This is how it has been in every war. The only war that does not end this way is a war with the unconditional surrender of one side to the other. And we will not see this in this conflict.
– Marco Rubio, United States Secretary of State
According to Rubio, the demand to reach compromises does not mean abandoning fundamental values, but rather they will become part of preserving peace for many years to come. He emphasized that it is important that both sides feel the prospect of stopping the aggression and stable security.
We need to give these people room to work. They have their voters, their considerations. And in this regard, it is not worth giving priority to one side. I think everyone understands that one of the key elements is that Ukraine must feel safe as it moves forward. They must believe that at the end of this war they will be in a position where they will never be conquered again.
– Marco Rubio
What is known about the Trump and Zelensky meeting
On August 18, a summit took place between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The Ukrainian leader called the open bilateral meeting “successful” and noted that it was one of their best conversations.
Zelensky also stressed that sensitive issues regarding the exchange of territories can be discussed only during a trilateral meeting involving the leaders of Ukraine, the United States, and Russia.
Joining Zelensky in Washington were German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, President of Finland Alexander Stubb, President of France Emmanuel Macron, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Keir Starmer, and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. They joined the talks in the Oval Office.
Trump said that during the meeting they discussed security guarantees for Ukraine, which would be provided by partners in coordination with the United States. There was also mention of a further trilateral meeting involving the leaders of the United States, Russia and Ukraine.
“This bilateral meeting was successful; it was their best conversation.”
– Volodymyr Zelensky
As part of further steps, the importance of coordinated action and security guarantees for Ukraine, aimed at long-term regional stability and strengthening the country’s defenses, is emphasized.