Rubio: It’s up to Trump to determine if Putin is ‘serious about negotiations’

President Donald Trump’s negotiation skills will play a crucial role in determining the sincerity of Russian President Vladimir Putin in peace talks to end the conflict in Ukraine, according to Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Speaking on CBS’ “Face the Nation,” Rubio highlighted the importance of verifying intentions through actions rather than blind trust in geopolitics.

Rubio praised Trump as the “best negotiator in American politics,” emphasizing that Trump’s ability to assess the situation quickly will be instrumental in gauging the seriousness of Putin’s intentions. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine, which has claimed hundreds of thousands of lives, has become a war of attrition with heavy casualties on both sides.

Trump’s commitment to resolving the conflict was evident in his recent phone call with Putin, where they discussed the possibility of negotiating a peace deal. Trump assured Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of his involvement in the negotiations, signaling a potential breakthrough in the peace process.

While some European nations may not be directly involved in the talks, Rubio suggested that both Ukraine and Europe would play a crucial role in real negotiations. He emphasized the need for concrete steps towards peace and the involvement of all parties affected by the conflict.

The phone call between Trump and Putin was just the beginning of a long process towards ending the war in Ukraine, according to Rubio. He acknowledged that there is still a long way to go before reaching a resolution but expressed hope for a peaceful outcome.

In conclusion, Rubio underscored the importance of diplomatic efforts in ending the conflict in Ukraine and reiterated the need for continued negotiations. The road to peace may be long and challenging, but with the right approach and commitment from all parties involved, a resolution may be within reach.