US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has stated that negotiations between Russia and Ukraine are currently not progressing. He confirmed that the United States has sought to act as a mediator, but these efforts have yet to yield results.
Rubio’s remarks were conveyed by the US State Department. He noted,
“We remain prepared to serve as a mediator if it can be productive. However, we do not want to waste time on a process that is not moving forward. If an opportunity arises to bring the parties closer to a peace agreement, we would like to seize it,”
he stated.
Additionally, Rubio addressed the recent Russian attack on a kindergarten in Sumy, which resulted in the deaths of two women and injuries to six others, although no children were present at the time. He remarked,
“Every report of strikes against civilians reminds us why this war must end,”
emphasizing the urgent need for a resolution.
On May 6, Russian forces struck the kindergarten using two drones. Rubio indicated that the US would return to its role as a mediator in negotiations between Ukraine and Russia if circumstances change.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on May 8 that a visit from US representatives to Ukraine is expected around the transition from spring to summer.
On May 7, Ukrainian official Rustem Umerov arrived in the US, where he is set to meet with American officials in Miami. Key topics for discussion will include a new phase of prisoner exchanges, the revitalization of the diplomatic process, and security cooperation between Kyiv and Washington.
Previously, a source from the Ukrainian negotiating delegation indicated that the next rounds of trilateral meetings involving Ukraine, Russia, and the US do not yet have confirmed dates or locations.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has highlighted the lack of progress in Russia-Ukraine negotiations, reaffirming the US's willingness to mediate if conditions improve. The comments follow a recent attack on a kindergarten in Sumy, underscoring the ongoing humanitarian impact of the conflict.