diplomacy

Only Trump Can Decide on US Refusal to Negotiate on Ukraine -- Rubio

December 20, 2025 TASS Russian News Agency
Only Trump Can Decide on US Refusal to Negotiate on Ukraine -- Rubio

Marco Rubio emphasizes that only Trump can decide on continuing US negotiations on Ukraine.

SUMMARY

Marco Rubio states that the continuation of US participation in negotiations on the Ukrainian crisis depends solely on President Trump's decision, emphasizing that both parties must make concessions to reach an agreement.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

  • Only President Donald Trump can decide on the continuation of US negotiations on Ukraine.
  • Both parties must make concessions for an agreement to be possible.
  • Marco Rubio clarifies that the decision to abandon the mediator role lies with the president.

CORE SUBJECT

US Decision on Participation in Ukrainian Negotiations

WASHINGTON, December 19. /TASS/. Only US President Donald Trump can decide on the viability of continuing Washington's participation in negotiations to resolve the crisis in Ukraine, Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters.

"We understand that you will not have an agreement unless both parties make concessions, both parties must give and take, both parties will have to make concessions if you want an agreement. It may be that we do not have an agreement," the Secretary of State said.

When asked if the United States is ready to give up its role as mediator in the Ukraine negotiations, Rubio said that it was not his decision to make.

"Ultimately, the president will make a decision if he believes that further American engagement is no longer productive or no longer serves the national interest. That is a decision the president must make," he said.

KEYWORDS

Marco Rubio Donald Trump Ukraine negotiations United States

MENTIONED ENTITIES 4

Marco Rubio

👤 Person_Male

United States Secretary of State

Donald Trump

👤 Person_Male

President of the United States

Washington

📍 Location_City

Capital of the United States

Ukraine

📍 Location_Country

Country in crisis

NOTABLE QUOTES 2

"We understand that you will not have an agreement unless both parties make concessions, both parties must give and take, both parties will have to make concessions if you want an agreement. It may be that we do not have an agreement."

— Marco Rubio 2025-12-19

Context: Statement on the necessity of mutual concessions for an agreement in the Ukraine negotiations.

"Ultimately, the president will make a decision if he believes that further American engagement is no longer productive or no longer serves the national interest. That is a decision the president must make."

— Marco Rubio 2025-12-19

Context: Response to a question about the possibility of the US abandoning its mediator role.