US Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that Ukrainian and Russian technical military teams are engaged in direct talks with US participation. Rubio emphasized the significance of this engagement, although he cautioned that the most challenging issues remain unresolved. The talks, which are taking place in Abu Dhabi, involve representatives from both Ukraine and Russia, along with US officials Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner attending certain parts of the discussions.
Rubio noted that while the existence of talks is a positive development, it should not be mistaken for a breakthrough. He highlighted the importance of ongoing engagement and diplomacy in efforts to end the conflict. A US official, speaking on background, mentioned that the discussions have been productive and are set to continue the following day.
The Secretary of State stressed that tangible progress might not be immediately visible due to the sensitive nature of the negotiations. Rubio expressed optimism about the commitment and progress made over the past year, noting a reduction in the number of unresolved issues between Kyiv and Moscow. However, he acknowledged that the remaining issues are the most challenging to resolve, even as the conflict persists.
Rubio emphasized the continued high-level investment of the United States in the talks, aiming to facilitate a potential breakthrough. He highlighted the unpredictable nature of resolving armed conflicts, citing examples where persistence eventually led to positive outcomes. Rubio underlined the dedication to pursuing peace efforts despite the complexities involved.
