Washington’s latest message combines a renewed pledge to Kyiv with a difficult question: can stalled contacts with Moscow resume?
The United States has stated its support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and its readiness to facilitate a negotiated end to the war unleashed by Russia. Washington emphasized that any agreements must lead to a lasting and sustainable peace.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued a message marking the 35th anniversary of Ukraine’s Independence. He reaffirmed the United States’ intention to strengthen economic and security cooperation with Kyiv.
Today, 35 years after Ukraine declared its independence from the Soviet Union on August 24, 1991, the United States once again affirms the strong partnership between our two countries… On this Independence Day, as Ukrainians honor their country’s history and celebrate their courage, innovation, and resilience, the United States once again underscores its steadfast commitment to strengthening our economic and security ties and paving the way for peace and prosperity for both our peoples
– Marco Rubio, in a message released by the U.S. Department of State
Rubio on the possibility of resuming negotiations
In early August, Marco Rubio said in an interview with Fox News that Washington seeks to step up efforts to restore contacts between Ukraine and Russia.
According to him, progress toward an agreement is hampered by the principled positions of both sides. The United States intends to determine whether these positions can be brought close enough together to return to substantive negotiations and end the war.
Negotiations between Ukraine and Russia on possible terms for ending the war have not taken place for several months. Previous rounds involving the United States in the Middle East and Switzerland produced no notable results, apart from agreements on prisoner-of-war exchanges.