Strong words by Trump Administration, weak words by Rubio

The Trump Administration released its first official statement concerning Ukraine. Delivered by Katherine Brucker, the Charge d”Affaires to the Permanent Council to the OSCE, the statement was a strongly worded defense of Ukraine and a call to Russia to negotiate or face consequences and, most importantly, a focus on Ukraine’s long-term security, the most important issue in any potential ceasefire.

a war Russia wages in blatant violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political independence

As President Trump has said, Russia’s war against Ukraine needs to end.  The smartest move for President Putin would be to start negotiations now to end the conflict, because the situation is only going to get worse for Russia.  If not, the United States is ready to increase pressure on Russia, through sanctions, tariffs, and other measures.   

We are going to do everything possible to help the war end in a way that’s stable and sustainable.  In a way that assures the security of Ukraine and our partners in the region, and that stops the killing, dying, and destruction.  We do not want to see a flawed settlement followed by another war in two, three, or four years.  

Russia’s war must stop, and it must stop now.        

In contrast, Secretary of State Rubio gave an interview with Megan Kelly which highlighted American defeatism toward Ukraine and signaled weakness.

Megyn Kelly led the interview by claiming the Ukraine has “lost”. To which Rubio agreed stating that “it is the reality on the ground.” Sec Rubio then stressed the war is a stalemate.

Megyn Kelly followed up by asking “who is the bigger obstacle to peace: Putin or Zelensky?”

Sadly, in the interview Rubio failed to make the obvious demand for Russia to stop bombing civilians as a first step towards peace nor highlight Ukrainian security as the key point in any negotiations.

As to who is the bigger obstacle to peace, Russia launched ballistic missiles into Odessa city center over the weekend.

Let’s hope the Trump Administration continues to focus on stopping Russian aggression and Ukrainian security in all negotiations.