Rubio Calls for Concessions From Both Sides Ahead of Trump–Zelenskyy Talks
Washington, August 17, 2025
As the war in Ukraine drags into its fourth year, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has delivered one of his most direct appeals yet for compromise, urging both Kyiv and Moscow to take steps toward peace. His comments come just one day before U.S. President Donald Trump is set to host Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House for a high-profile meeting on the conflict.
Speaking on CBS’s Face the Nation on Sunday, Rubio said that neither side could expect to achieve a complete victory without devastating costs. “Both Ukraine and Russia must be prepared to make concessions if there is ever going to be a lasting peace agreement,” he said.
Rubio’s remarks follow media reports suggesting that Russian President Vladimir Putin is demanding control of Ukraine’s eastern Donbas region as a precondition for ending the war. Zelenskyy has repeatedly rejected such proposals, insisting that Ukraine will not cede territory under any circumstances.
“The United States will continue to do everything possible to support efforts for peace,” Rubio said. “But Washington cannot impose a ready-made solution. If the war continues without compromise, thousands of people will continue to die.”
The U.S. has been working closely with European allies to press both Moscow and Kyiv toward negotiations, but progress has remained elusive.
Trump is expected to meet Zelenskyy at the White House on Monday, August 18, with several European leaders also in attendance. The meeting is seen as a critical moment for shaping the next phase of international efforts to end the conflict.
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Rubio Warns Russia of More Sanctions as Peace Efforts Falter
Washington, August 17, 2025
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued a stern warning to Moscow on Sunday, saying Russia would face “additional restrictions” if it continues to block progress toward a peace settlement in Ukraine.
The warning comes just two days after President Trump and President Putin met in Alaska on August 15. While no agreement was reached on a ceasefire, both leaders described the talks as constructive and signaled that dialogue would continue. “I hope that the agreement we have reached will help us find a solution closer and pave the way for peace in Ukraine,” Trump told reporters after the summit.
Rubio’s comments, however, underscored the fragility of the process. “Sanctions will remain on the table — and will be increased if necessary,” he said, stressing that Russia could not expect relief without concrete steps toward de-escalation.
European leaders are expected to join Trump and Zelenskyy in Washington on August 18 for a wide-ranging discussion on the war. The meeting will focus on whether diplomatic pressure can bring about even a partial ceasefire, or whether the conflict risks becoming an entrenched stalemate.
For now, both Moscow and Kyiv remain far apart. Putin has sought territorial concessions, while Zelenskyy has made clear Ukraine will not surrender any land. The deadlock, Rubio warned, means that the humanitarian toll of the war will continue to rise.
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