The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine does not have a military solution, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said during his visit to Istanbul, where he is currently awaiting the start of negotiations between the Russian and Ukrainian delegations.
The conflict between Moscow and Kyiv cannot be ended through military means. We are convinced that diplomacy and dialogue are the only path to peace, Rubio stated during a press briefing.
He emphasized that the United States is ready to support any efforts aimed at ending hostilities and restoring stability in the region. The American diplomat warned that continued escalation would only worsen the humanitarian crisis and lead to further loss of life.
We cannot allow the people of Ukraine and Russia to keep paying such a high price for political ambitions, he added.
Rubio remains in Turkey monitoring the progress of the talks. Earlier reports indicated that the negotiations were scheduled to begin at 9:00 a.m., but the start was later postponed until around noon.
Interest in the negotiations extends beyond the U.S., with other Western allies also hoping for a diplomatic breakthrough. While skepticism remains over both sides’ willingness to compromise, many observers view the meeting in Istanbul as a significant step toward de-escalation.
Both Kyiv and Moscow have expressed conditional willingness to negotiate. Ukraine insists on the restoration of its territorial integrity, while Russia is demanding security guarantees and the preservation of its strategic interests in the region. Observers expect that the talks may require multiple rounds and potentially international mediation.
