WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The possibility of a meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin hinges on the advancement of efforts to end the conflict in Ukraine, stated U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Thursday. Rubio emphasized that discussions about such a meeting took place during his recent meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Saudi Arabia, where he conveyed to Lavrov and Russian officials that a meeting will only occur once the agenda is clear.
Rubio highlighted in an interview with journalist Catherine Herridge that the timing of the meeting is contingent on progress in resolving the war in Ukraine. President Trump, following a recent phone conversation with Putin, mentioned that a meeting could take place before the end of the month. Rubio, however, indicated uncertainty about the exact timing.
Trump’s interest in determining Russia’s commitment to ending the conflict in Ukraine is a crucial factor, given the ongoing tensions since Moscow’s actions three years ago. Rubio stressed the importance of verifying Russia’s intentions through dialogue and understanding their demands.
While concerns have arisen about potential exclusion of Ukraine and European allies from peace talks, Rubio assured that consultations with all stakeholders have taken place. Amidst a growing rift between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, Rubio noted Trump’s displeasure with Zelenskiy’s recent comments. He underscored the significance of supporting Ukraine and addressing the implications for allies and global stability.
Rubio also mentioned the U.S.’s push for Kyiv to expedite negotiations to open up Ukraine’s natural resources for American investment. This initiative aligns with the substantial military aid provided by the U.S. during the conflict. Rubio explained efforts to establish a joint venture with Ukraine to ensure mutual benefits and enhance security cooperation.
The misunderstanding around Zelenskiy’s response to the proposed deal was clarified by Rubio, emphasizing the importance of legislative approval for such agreements. Despite the misinterpretation, Rubio expressed a commitment to fostering economic ties and strengthening Ukraine’s security in the process.
(Reporting by Michelle Nichols; editing by Kanishka Singh)
In Washington and Michael Perry.
