The United States has observed multiple violations of the ceasefire in Russia’s war against Ukraine, but believes peace may be within reach—if Moscow is serious about ending its invasion. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio made the remarks during a briefing in Brussels, underlining Washington’s impatience with Russia’s usual tactics of delay and deception.
Rubio stated that while both sides are in communication, there is no indication that Russia intends to end hostilities. He dismissed any notion of trusting the Kremlin, instead demanding concrete actions. “It is not about whether you can trust Putin. I do not trust anyone. It is about actions. If you want peace, you stop firing, you stop fighting, and then you present reasonable conditions to end the war,” Rubio said. He added that anything less would be an obvious attempt to stall and manipulate the process.
The US government is prepared for multiple outcomes but insists it will not be drawn into a prolonged charade. Rubio made it clear that Russia must demonstrate a genuine commitment to peace instead of merely pretending to negotiate. If Russian forces continue offensive operations, he stated, the world will know the Kremlin is not serious about ending the conflict.
The remarks signal growing frustration in Washington over Russia’s well-documented habit of feigning diplomacy while continuing its aggression.
