Rubio: Only Trump-Putin Talks Can Break Russia-Ukraine Deadlock

Antalya, Turkey – U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio offered a blunt assessment of the prospects for peace in Ukraine during a press appearance in Turkey on May 15, 2025. He stated that a breakthrough in negotiations between Russia and Ukraine hinges on direct talks between former President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. "And frankly, at this point, I think it's abundantly clear that the only way we're going to have a breakthrough here is between President Trump and President Putin," Rubio said. He expressed pessimism about progress without this direct engagement, indicating that he doesn't see anything productive happening until such direct talks occur. Rubio's comments underscore the unusual political dynamics surrounding the conflict and the perceived role of key individuals in potential future negotiations. The statement adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict.