Trump is acting as a ‘peacemaker’ between Ukraine and Russia: Rubio

Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended President Donald Trump’s efforts to bring an end to the war in Ukraine, labeling him as a “peacemaker.” Rubio’s remarks were made during an appearance on ABC News’ “This Week,” where he addressed criticisms of Trump’s approach to the conflict.

Rubio emphasized the importance of exploring all avenues to achieve a lasting and mutually acceptable resolution to the war. He questioned why attempting to broker peace should be viewed negatively, asserting that it is only criticized because it is President Trump leading the efforts.

Dismissing allegations that Trump is trying to appease Russia and its president, Vladimir Putin, Rubio clarified that the administration’s intent is simply to initiate dialogue and explore the possibility of peace talks.

The Secretary of State’s statements came following a tense meeting between Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House. The meeting reportedly escalated into a heated exchange, with Trump asserting that Ukraine lacks the necessary leverage to continue battling Russia independently and advocating for a negotiated settlement as the best course of action.

In response, Trump accused Zelenskyy of disrespecting the United States during the meeting and suggested that the Ukrainian leader was not prepared to secure peace for his country. Trump expressed his desire for peace and reiterated his stance that Zelenskyy could return to negotiations when he was ready to prioritize peace over advantage.

Zelenskyy’s visit to Washington was part of ongoing negotiations to end the conflict in Ukraine and finalize a minerals agreement that would grant the U.S. access to Ukraine’s mineral resources in exchange for continued support since Russia’s invasion in 2022.

However, the meeting between Trump and Zelenskyy culminated in a public fallout, leading to Zelenskyy being asked to leave the White House premises. The contentious encounter underscored the challenges and complexities involved in seeking a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

As the diplomatic efforts continue, the focus remains on finding a sustainable and enduring solution to the war in Ukraine. Rubio’s defense of Trump’s peacemaking endeavors reflects the administration’s commitment to pursuing peace and stability in the region.

Anders Hagstrom, a reporter with Fox News Digital covering national politics and breaking news events, contributed to this article. For tips or inquiries, contact Anders.Hagstrom@Fox.com or follow him on Twitter at @Hagstrom_Anders.