Marco Rubio: Ceasefire Still Possible, But Lasting Peace Deal Is the Real Goal
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Sunday that while a temporary ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia is still possible, the ultimate goal remains a comprehensive peace agreement that ends the war for good. His comments came during an interview on NBC’s Meet the Press.
Trump-Putin Meeting Raises Eyebrows
Rubio’s remarks followed President Donald Trump’s recent meeting in Alaska with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The closed-door talks lasted several hours but did not include Ukrainian representatives, raising concerns in Washington. Despite this, Trump insisted afterward, “There’s no deal until there’s a deal.”
Zelenskyy Heads to Washington
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is traveling to Washington this week for crucial talks with Trump, Rubio, and European leaders such as German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, and U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Zelenskyy stressed that peace negotiations cannot happen under active bombardment, calling for a ceasefire first.
The Sanctions Debate
Rubio also defended the administration’s decision not to add new sanctions on Russia at this stage, arguing that excessive pressure could derail talks.
“We’re trying to end the war,” Rubio said. “If sanctions shut down diplomacy, then we lose the chance for peace.” However, critics like Senator Chris Murphy blasted the move, calling Trump’s Alaska meeting with Putin “a disaster” that left Moscow unpunished.
What’s on the Table in Peace Talks?
Behind the scenes, discussions are reportedly focusing on three major issues:
- Territorial settlements — including disputed regions like Donetsk.
- Security guarantees — possibly modeled on NATO’s Article Five, but arranged directly with the U.S. and allies.
- Reconstruction commitments — rebuilding Ukraine after more than three years of conflict.
Rubio admitted, “Both sides have demands the other won’t accept. If there’s going to be a deal, everyone will have to compromise.”
Looking Ahead
The Washington summit with Zelenskyy may prove decisive. As the U.S. balances diplomatic outreach with pressure on Moscow, the world watches closely. Rubio concluded with a clear warning:
“Ukraine is a sovereign nation. Any peace must respect that — and Russia has to accept it.”
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