US: ceasefire in Ukraine sole topic for talks with Russia at this time

The United States has declared that a ceasefire in Ukraine was the sole issue it was prepared to discuss with Russia at this time, according to State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce.​

Speaking at a press briefing Thursday, Bruce emphasized that no other matters would be addressed until hostilities cease. “The President has been very clear that there is one issue on the table with Russia – a ceasefire; that there is no other dynamic that will be discussed or promoted until that issue is resolved,” she said. ​

Bruce highlighted the involvement of President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio in the ceasefire discussions. “I think everyone understands that President Trump is involved in this. We have the best diplomats in the world, of course, led by Secretary Rubio.

All members of our leadership, especially President Trump and Secretary Rubio, have been very clear publicly about what is at stake.

This is a dynamic that will not be resolved militarily. This is a meat grinder. There is no discussion of the outcome until the shooting and the killing stop,” she added. ​