TASS reported on March 28, speaking to the press in Paris, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that Ukraine will decide for itself whether to concede territory to Russia in exchange for a peace agreement or not.
Mr. Rubio affirmed that Washington does not impose any options on Kiev. "We have told the Ukrainian side what Russia is asking for. We do not support that, just to explain. The decision is theirs, not ours" - Foreign Minister Rubio said.
According to Mr. Rubio, the US's role now is only to understand the positions of both sides and try to "bridge" a neutral solution. However, he also warned bluntly: If Ukraine or Russia are not willing to compromise, they will bear the consequences of prolonged conflict.
This statement is seen as a signal that Washington is shifting to an intermediary role instead of comprehensively sponsoring Kiev as before.
On the Ukrainian side, President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed dissatisfaction with the US proposal, which includes the possibility of linking security assurances with the withdrawal from Donbass. Mr. Zelensky also criticized US President Donald Trump's pressure to promote a peace agreement.
Meanwhile, the rifts between the US and Europe over Russia's approach continue to be clear. According to Axios, a tense debate broke out between Mr. Rubio and EU High Representative for Foreign Policy, Ms. Kaja Kallas at the G7 meeting.
Ms. Kallas criticized the US for not increasing enough pressure on Russia, causing Mr. Rubio to show annoyance. "We are doing our best to end the conflict. If you think we are doing better, just do it, we will withdraw" - Mr. Rubio said.
The US Secretary of State also emphasized the current paradox: Washington is trying to dialogue with both sides, but in reality only supports one side, Ukraine, through weapons aid, intelligence and other forms.
Some European ministers have had to intervene, calling on the US to continue pursuing the Russia-Ukraine diplomatic path, showing concern that if Washington reduces its role, the negotiation process could fall into deadlock.
