Rubio has stated that the US is prepared to facilitate negotiations between Ukraine and Russia
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has stated that both Ukraine and Russia are now assessing their positions in the war with greater confidence and may return to the negotiating table in the near future. He made these remarks on Fox News whilst on a visit to China.
Commenting on Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin’s statement that the war against Ukraine may allegedly be nearing its end, Rubio noted that both sides feel more confident in their positions.
“I hope we reach a point where both sides sit down at the negotiating table, and we are ready to play the role of mediator. We are the only country that can do this. But if anyone else wants to do it – let them try. Yet both sides tell us that we are the only ones who can do it,” Rubio said.
According to him, Ukrainian forces are demonstrating resilience and confidence on the battlefield following the winter, whilst Russia feels more optimistic due to rising oil prices.
Rubio also stated that the war has forced Ukraine to develop new tactics, weaponry and technology.
“This creates a kind of hybrid asymmetric war. It is impressive, without a doubt,” the Secretary of State noted.
At the same time, he said that Russia is suffering significantly greater losses each month than Ukraine.
“Russia is losing between 15,000 and 20,000 soldiers a month – killed in action, not wounded. And Ukraine is a small country with a small army. However, the Ukrainian Defence Forces are the strongest army in Europe. Of course, this is due to all the aid they receive, as well as the battlefield experience they have gained,” Rubio stated.
He also emphasised that Ukraine would need two decades to rebuild, and the Russian economy, he said, had also suffered serious damage.
“This is a terrible war. Unfortunately, we have lost some momentum over the last few months for various reasons. However, the president is prepared for this. His team is ready to facilitate a diplomatic end to the war,” Rubio concluded.
