Rubio: U.S. shows Ukraine, Russia "final stretch" to achieving peace

He said this during a meeting between the U.S. president and the Norwegian prime minister in the Oval Office when Donald Trump asked him to comment on the situation regarding the negotiations, Ukrinform reports.

Rubio noted that, first and foremost, their partners were offered options to discuss what would be needed to end the war. He said the war could be ended, but both sides had to agree to it. According to him, they had shown them the way forward.

He noted that these ideas had been discussed. He added that there had been a good meeting the day before and more productive meetings were expected over the weekend. According to the Secretary of State, they had shown both sides the final stretch, and now Ukraine and Russia needed to say “yes.”

Rubio also commented on Russia’s missile strike on Kyiv, calling it a reminder to everyone why this war needs to end. Rubio said that everyone should thank President Trump for being a peacemaker and trying to save lives - which, he stressed, is exactly what they are trying to do.

At the same time, he emphasized that “this is not our war. We didn’t start it, as you know, but we are trying to end the death and destruction. We’ve shown the path forward. We see the final stretch, but both countries have to get there.” Rubio stressed that the U.S. administration would do “everything possible” to ensure both sides eventually say “yes.”

• U.S. President Donald Trump, on Thursday, April 24, once again stated that Ukraine and Russia must sit down at the negotiating table, and that he has his own deadline for reaching a peace agreement.