The United States is actively seeking to assist in ending the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, emphasizing a non-intrusive approach in its efforts. This was articulated by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio during a joint press conference with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban in Budapest on February 16.
Rubio stated, “Our goal is to play a constructive role in achieving an agreement. We do not intend to impose any terms on either side. Our desire is simply to help, as we believe this devastating war must conclude as soon as possible.” He highlighted that the U.S. is uniquely positioned to encourage dialogue between the conflicting parties.
He remarked, “I am not here to offend anyone, but the UN has been unable to facilitate this dialogue. No other European nation has the capacity to do so. The United States has successfully brought both sides to the negotiating table.”
Rubio noted that for the first time in several years, military representatives from both Russia and Ukraine convened at a technical level in the Middle East the previous week. Further discussions are scheduled to continue in Geneva later this week.
He also referenced the significant time and political capital invested by former President Donald Trump in pursuing a constructive role in the conflict, expressing surprise at the criticism directed towards Trump for these efforts. “We will continue as long as our involvement remains positive. We hope for a swift end to the war, and we will do everything possible to facilitate that outcome. If we succeed, I believe the world will be a better place,” Rubio emphasized.
Background on Peace Negotiations
On December 14-15, 2025, a Ukrainian delegation led by President Volodymyr Zelensky met with U.S. officials in Berlin to discuss a 20-point peace plan aimed at concluding the war. Following the talks, National Security and Defense Council Secretary Rustem Umerov described the discussions as productive, indicating progress had been made.
On December 24, U.S. Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker reported that the parties discussed four documents during the negotiations, with Washington seeking to understand the extent of concessions Moscow might be willing to make to end its aggression.
On December 28, Zelensky met with President Trump at Mar-a-Lago, where they agreed on 90% of the peace plan and 100% of security guarantees. Subsequently, they held a joint call with European leaders to further coordinate the preparation of these documents.
Russia has reviewed the proposals for concluding the war but has not provided a clear agreement. On January 23-24, trilateral talks took place in Abu Dhabi involving Ukraine, the U.S., and Russia, focusing on ending the conflict and advancing peace negotiations.
Umerov reiterated the goal of these discussions is to move toward a fair and lasting peace. A White House representative characterized the meeting as productive.
Zelensky has previously emphasized that the key issues remain the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, with the Ukrainian delegation awaiting concrete responses from Russia regarding the war’s conclusion.
On February 4-5, further negotiations occurred in Abu Dhabi, where delegations from Ukraine, the U.S., and Russia discussed potential methods for implementing a ceasefire and monitoring the cessation of hostilities.
On February 13, it was announced that the next round of talks among the U.S., Ukraine, and Russia would take place in Geneva on February 17-18. Ukrainian presidential advisor Dmytro Lytvyn confirmed this during a conversation with the media, a statement also echoed by Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov.
On February 14, Umerov mentioned that discussions in Geneva could include topics related to an energy ceasefire. The following day, Zelensky reported on consultations with Trump representatives Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner ahead of the Geneva meeting.
The U.S. is striving to facilitate peace talks between Russia and Ukraine without imposing conditions, as articulated by Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Recent discussions have taken place at various levels, with further negotiations scheduled in Geneva, indicating ongoing efforts to resolve the conflict.