The new US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, has stated that ending Russia’s war in Ukraine will be the primary policy of President Donald Trump’s administration. On Tuesday (January 21), he mentioned that this step is being taken to advance the goal of establishing peace, according to British news agency Reuters.
Before taking his oath on Tuesday, Rubio told NBC’s Today show that the official policy of the United States will be to end this war, and they will do everything possible to achieve that.
Rubio further said that both Moscow and Kyiv will need to make some concessions to end this conflict. He hinted that Ukraine might have to step back from its aim of reclaiming all the territories occupied by Russia.
Former President Joe Biden had provided billions of dollars in military aid to Ukraine. Biden had stated that the timing and nature of peace talks with Russia would depend on Ukraine.
On the other hand, Trump had promised during his election campaign to end the war quickly, although he did not specify how he planned to do so. Rubio said, “It will be complicated… because each side will have to make some concessions.”
He also stated that conflicts like this only end through diplomatic means. The United States will undertake diplomatic efforts that ensure the security of Ukraine and its regional partners while ending the destruction caused by the conflict.
Fifty-three-year-old Rubio has long been a member of the US Senate’s Foreign Relations and Intelligence Committees. A son of Cuban immigrants, Rubio is known for his tough stance against China and his strong support for Israel.
He has also advocated for strict measures against Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and Cuba’s communist government.
After taking the oath at the White House, Rubio said, “We will conduct the Trump administration’s foreign policy in a way that advances America’s national interests.”
He added, “Another goal of ours will be to promote peace—certainly peace through strength—but never by compromising our values.”
On Monday evening, Rubio’s appointment was unanimously approved by the US Senate. Rubio is the first member of Trump’s Cabinet to assume office. Votes on the appointments of other Cabinet members are expected later this week.