By Kazeem Ugbodaga
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has confirmed that Washington is awaiting a formal response from Moscow regarding Ukraine’s offer to cease hostilities and engage in peace negotiations.
Speaking to reporters during a layover in Shannon, Ireland, Rubio emphasised that the ball is now in Russia’s court as diplomatic efforts intensify to bring an end to the prolonged war.
In response to a question from The Wall Street Journal’s Michael Gordon on whether Russia was stalling for time amid continued battlefield advances, Rubio acknowledged uncertainty.
“We don’t know whether they’re prepared to accept unconditionally,” he stated.
However, he confirmed that the U.S. has already established contact with Russian officials at various levels, with further discussions scheduled for later in the day.
“The question is: will they agree to a ceasefire? If they say yes, we’ve made real progress. If not, then their intentions become very clear,” Rubio asserted.
He added that since the proposal had not been prearranged with Moscow, Russia is likely still processing the news.
On the sidelines of the press briefing, Rubio also addressed expectations for a potential G7 statement on Russia and China.
He stressed the importance of international unity in urging Moscow to halt hostilities, stating that “there is no military solution to this conflict.”
He emphasised that the only viable path to lasting peace is negotiation, warning that neither Ukraine nor Russia can achieve their maximalist goals through warfare alone.
When asked about reported plans for U.S. envoy Steven Witkoff’s trip to Moscow, Rubio refrained from confirming specifics but hinted at multiple upcoming engagements with Russian officials. “The key question remains: are they willing to do this or not?”
Rubio disclosed that discussions with Ukrainian officials had focused primarily on structuring a negotiation process rather than defining specific territorial concessions.
He highlighted Ukraine’s humanitarian concerns, particularly the return of prisoners of war and abducted children, alongside the need for urgent reconstruction efforts in devastated areas.
“Ukraine’s position is clear: this isn’t just about stopping the war—it’s about securing their future,” he noted. “They need to ensure that such an invasion never happens again.”
Pressed on the issue of security guarantees, Rubio maintained that any ceasefire must be accompanied by assurances that Ukraine will be protected from future aggression.
“No country should have to endure this again,” he said, stressing that deterrence would be a key component of any lasting peace agreement.
Regarding European involvement, he acknowledged that sanctions and frozen Russian assets would inevitably become central to negotiations.
“Europe has a significant role to play, whether at the front or back end of the talks,” Rubio stated, alluding to existing European security commitments to Ukraine.
As diplomatic channels remain open, Rubio underscored that the next move lies with Moscow.
“We hope for a positive answer, but if not, the world will see their true intentions,” he cautioned.
