Secretary of State Marco Rubio, speaking in Turkey on Thursday, laid out the Trump administration’s priorities regarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the strengthening of the NATO alliance. Rubio stressed the importance of a diplomatic resolution to the Russia-Ukraine war, reiterating President Trump’s commitment to pursuing a “just, enduring, and lasting peace.”
“The President of the United States has been abundantly clear he wants the war to end,” Rubio stated, emphasizing that “there is no military solution to the Russia-Ukraine conflict.” He asserted that the war “is going to end not through a military solution but through a diplomatic one,” urging for an expedited agreement to minimize casualties and destruction.
Rubio acknowledged the difficult situation but expressed hope for progress in the coming days, stating, “We hope that we can find the steps forward that provide for the end of this war in a negotiated way and the prevention of any war in the future.” He underscored the administration’s willingness to be “constructive and helpful in any way we can to end the conflict.”
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Beyond the Ukraine conflict, Rubio highlighted the upcoming NATO leaders’ meeting, emphasizing the alliance’s need for increased strength and unity. He praised President Trump’s proposed trillion-dollar defense budget, stating it reflects a focus on “the capabilities that are needed for the threats of the 21st century.”
“NATO has the opportunity to grow even stronger in the Alliance,” Rubio said, adding, “The Alliance is only as strong as its weakest link, and we intend and endeavor to have no weak links in this Alliance.” He expressed optimism that the preparatory meetings in Turkey would contribute to a “very productive” leaders’ summit.
Rubio also touched upon the administration’s broader foreign policy goals, stating that President Trump is “interested in building things, not destroying.” He pointed to the administration’s efforts in Syria, expressing hope for stability and reconstruction, and reiterated the desire for a world focused on economic development and prosperity.
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“He wants economies and countries focused on building things, making things, providing opportunity and prosperity for its people,” Rubio explained, contrasting this vision with the instability caused by wars and terrorism.
Regarding the millions of displaced Ukrainians, Rubio expressed hope for their eventual return and the rebuilding of their country. “The world the President wants to see is one in which people can come back home and begin to rebuild their country and spend their time focused on how to build the economy, not how to fight a war,” he said.
Rubio concluded by reiterating the administration’s commitment to finding a negotiated end to the Ukraine war and establishing a lasting peace that prevents future conflicts.
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