Rubio: Russia-Ukraine war needs diplomatic, not military solution

United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated today that the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine cannot be resolved through military means. Speaking to the press upon arrival in Antalya, Turkey, for an informal meeting of NATO foreign ministers, Rubio emphasized that diplomacy is the only viable path forward.

“This war is not going to end on the battlefield—it will end through negotiation,” Rubio said, adding that the United States hopes for meaningful progress in the upcoming diplomatic engagements. He acknowledged, however, that the path to peace remains complicated and uncertain.

Rubio’s comments come as delegations from Russia and Ukraine are preparing to hold direct peace talks in Istanbul later today. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also arrived in Turkey for the high-stakes negotiations. Speaking at Ankara airport, Zelenskyy confirmed that Ukraine is sending a top-level delegation to the talks, including Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, senior military officials, representatives of the Presidential Office, and the heads of Ukraine’s intelligence services.

On the Russian side, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova announced that the Russian delegation had also arrived in Istanbul and was prepared for “serious work.” She noted that President Vladimir Putin had proposed restarting direct negotiations without delay or preconditions.