Rubio says "both sides are going to have to make concessions" to end war in Ukraine
cbsnews.com -- Sunday, August 17, 2025, 1:55:36 PM Eastern Daylight Time
Categories: U.S.–Russia Relations, Foreign Policy & International Relations, U.S. Elections & Voting Rights
Washington -- Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Sunday that "both sides are going to have to make concessions" to end Russia's war in Ukraine, hinting at the road ahead for talks aimed at getting Moscow and Kyiv to reach a lasting peace agreement.
"We want to wind up with a peace deal that ends this war so Ukraine can go on with the rest of their lives and rebuild their country and be assured that this is never going to happen again," Rubio said on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," noting that doing so would require both sides "to give."
President Trump is set to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders at the White House on Monday following his high-stakes summit with Putin in Alaska last Friday. Mr. Trump called the nearly three-hour meeting with Putin "extremely productive" with "many points" the two leaders agreed on. But "there's no deal until there's a deal," he said, and no ceasefire was announced.
Rubio, who attended the summit, was thin on details Sunday, saying that "there are things that were discussed as part of this meeting that are potentials for breakthroughs." He added that the details would be discussed with Zelenskyy and other European leaders on Monday as the administration works to "narrow the gap between the two sides."
"We have to make enough progress so that we can sit down President Zelenskyy and President Putin in the same place, which is what President Zelenskyy has been asking for, and reach a final agreement that ends this war," Rubio said, noting that there were "some concepts and ideas discussed" with Putin that they expect the Ukrainians would support.
When asked whether the U.S. would demand Russian withdrawal from Ukrainian territory as part of an agreement, the secretary of state acknowledged that both sides would have to make concessions in order to reach a deal to end the conflict.
"If one side gets everything they want, that's called surrender," Rubio said. "And that's not what we're close to doing, because neither side here is on the verge of surrender, or anything close to it."
Rubio outlined a handful of areas where agreement needs to be reached, including the details of security guarantees for Ukraine, the question of territories "and where the lines are going to be drawn" and the issue of rebuilding the country. He said the ideas "require some more specificity," noting that the U.S. will "need to work with our partners to see what that looks like."
Monday's discussions come after Zelenskyy met with Mr. Trump and Vice President JD Vance in February, when an Oval Office meeting descended into insults and chaos, exposing severe rifts between the U.S. and Ukraine.
Rubio pushed back on the idea that European leaders are joining Zelenskyy in Washington as backup to prevent him from accepting a bad deal after the contentious meeting earlier this year.
"We've been working with these people for weeks, for weeks on this stuff," Rubio said. "They're coming here tomorrow because they're supposed to come here tomorrow. We invited them to come. The president invited them to come."
The secretary said that after the meeting with Putin, "we felt, and I agreed, that there was enough progress -- not a lot of progress -- but enough progress made in those talks to allow us to move to the next phase."
"I'm not saying we're on the verge of a peace deal, but I am saying that we saw movement," Rubio added. "Enough movement to justify a follow-up meeting with Zelenskyy and the Europeans, enough movement for us to dedicate even more time to this."
Rep. Jason Crow, a Colorado Democrat, appeared on "Face the Nation" after Rubio, and called the meeting with Putin a "historic embarrassment" while outlining what he says is needed to end the war.
"In any negotiation, when you're trying to end an armed conflict, there's nothing more important than understanding what motivates your adversary, what is making Vladimir Putin tick, in this instance," Crow said.
Crow argued that Putin doesn't care about things like a B-2 stealth bomber flyover and a lineup of F-22 fighter jets, which were part of a carefully choreographed red-carpet welcome in Alaska.
"What Vladimir Putin cares about is basically three things: He cares about economic pressure in the form of sanctions; he cares about political, diplomatic isolation -- being a pariah state; and he cares about military defeat," Crow said. "Those are the three things that will end this conflict."
Sign Our PetitionThe ongoing war in Ukraine has not only become a focal point of geopolitical analysis but also highlights the complexities of international diplomacy, particularly as articulated recently by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. His remarks emphasizing that "both sides are going to have to make concessions" reflect a troubling tendency to overlook the historical injustices that have paved the way for the conflict. This perspective is crucial when considering the broader implications of peace negotiations and the potential for genuine reconciliation. For many, especially in the context of U.S. foreign policy, the insistence on equal concessions can perpetuate existing power dynamics that disproportionately favor aggressors over victims.
Historically, Ukraine has been situated at the crossroads of East and West, a position that has made it vulnerable to external pressures and invasions. The annexation of Crimea by Russia in 2014 and the ongoing conflict in the Donbas region are stark reminders of Ukraine's struggle for sovereignty and self-determination. In this light, the notion that both sides must concede is fundamentally flawed; it implies equivalence between an aggressor and a nation defending its territorial integrity. A more nuanced understanding is necessary, one that acknowledges the asymmetric nature of the conflict, where one side seeks to maintain its sovereignty while the other aims to expand its territorial control.
Furthermore, Rubio's statements raise questions about the U.S.'s role in these negotiations. By framing the discussions as requiring concessions from both sides, there is an implicit suggestion that the U.S. should act as a neutral mediator. However, this perspective overlooks the historical context of U.S. involvement in Ukraine, which has often been characterized by a commitment to supporting Kyiv against Russian aggression. The American public must critically engage with how this role is portrayed: rather than a neutral broker, the U.S. should be seen as an ally committed to upholding international law and supporting a nation's right to self-defense, rather than forcing a false equivalence in negotiations.
The implications of such diplomacy extend beyond Ukraine; they resonate with broader social struggles for justice and human rights. The idea that peace can only be achieved through mutual concessions echoes a troubling narrative found in various social justice contexts, where marginalized communities are often asked to compromise their rights in the name of harmony or stability. This is particularly relevant in light of the struggles of various nations against imperialism and colonialism, where the demand for concessions can often become a veneer for perpetuating existing inequities.
As we reflect on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the international response it elicits, it is imperative to center the voices and experiences of those directly affected by the war. The urgency of rebuilding a war-torn nation and ensuring its sovereignty must take precedence over a diplomatic approach that favors compromise at the expense of justice. In advocating for a robust, principled stance on the conflict, there lies an opportunity to educate others about the importance of acknowledging power imbalances in international relations. By understanding these dynamics, we can better articulate the need for a peace that does not simply end hostilities but also fosters genuine justice and self-determination for all involved.
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine is a stark reminder of the complexities of international relations and the human cost of political decisions. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s comments suggesting that “both sides are going to have to make concessions” to resolve the war highlight a troubling approach that risks undermining Ukraine’s sovereignty. While the notion of diplomacy is crucial in conflict resolution, it is imperative to understand the historical context and the implications of such statements. Additionally, we must examine what actions can be taken by concerned citizens to advocate for a resolution that respects Ukraine's rights and sovereignty.
Historically, the roots of the conflict in Ukraine can be traced back to a series of geopolitical maneuvers, particularly following the 2014 annexation of Crimea by Russia. This act was not just a territorial acquisition; it was a significant violation of international law and Ukraine's sovereignty. The subsequent war in the Donbas region has resulted in significant loss of life and displacement of civilians. Rubio's insistence on concessions from both sides, therefore, risks equating the aggressor and the victim, a perspective that can dilute the accountability that Russia must face for its actions. It is essential to remind ourselves and others that any peace agreement must prioritize Ukraine's integrity and autonomy rather than facilitate a power play that may reward aggression.
Furthermore, the comments made by Rubio come at a time when President Trump’s recent summit with Putin raises eyebrows regarding U.S. foreign policy. The lack of a clear stance on demanding a Russian withdrawal from occupied territories sends a concerning message to both the international community and the Ukrainian people. Peace should not come at the cost of sovereignty; therefore, it is vital that any proposed concessions do not undermine Ukraine's ability to defend itself and rebuild. The precedent set by appeasing aggressors could embolden similar actions globally, leading to further instability in international relations.
As engaged citizens, Americans have a responsibility to voice their concerns about any potential deal that may compromise Ukraine’s sovereignty. Advocacy begins by educating ourselves and others about the implications of such negotiations. Engaging in discussions, sharing articles, and utilizing social media platforms can amplify awareness about the importance of standing firm against aggression. Additionally, contacting elected representatives to express concerns about the need for a robust and principled U.S. foreign policy that supports Ukraine’s right to self-determination is crucial. This is not merely a foreign policy issue; it involves fundamental principles of justice and international law.
Finally, we must also encourage a broader conversation about the humanitarian implications of the conflict. The war in Ukraine has led to a humanitarian crisis, with millions in need of assistance. Supporting organizations that provide aid to affected populations can be a tangible way to contribute to the cause. Moreover, advocating for U.S. policies that prioritize humanitarian assistance alongside diplomatic efforts can help ensure that the human cost of the conflict is not overlooked in the pursuit of political agreements. Ultimately, it is our collective responsibility to advocate for peace that is just and respects the rights and dignity of all parties involved, particularly the people of Ukraine who have endured so much.
To effectively respond to the situation highlighted in the article regarding the potential negotiations to end the war in Ukraine, it's essential for individuals to take proactive steps. Here’s a detailed list of actions you can take, including specific petitions, whom to contact, and what to say.
### Personal Actions:
1. **Educate Yourself and Others:** - Stay informed about the ongoing situation in Ukraine, the historical context, and the implications of potential negotiations. - Share reliable news articles, documentaries, and reports with friends and family to raise awareness.
2. **Support Humanitarian Organizations:** - Donate to organizations providing aid to Ukraine, such as: - **Doctors Without Borders (Médecins Sans Frontières)**: [Doctors Without Borders](https://www.doctorswithoutborders.org) - **World Central Kitchen**: [World Central Kitchen](https://wck.org) - **UNICEF**: [UNICEF](https://www.unicef.org) - Volunteer for local organizations that support refugees from Ukraine.
3. **Sign Petitions:** - **Petition for Continued Support for Ukraine**: - Visit [Change.org](https://www.change.org) and search for petitions supporting aid to Ukraine. - Example petition: "Support Ukraine: A Call for Ongoing Humanitarian and Military Aid" can be found here: [Petition Link](https://www.change.org/p/support-ukraine-a-call-for-ongoing-humanitarian-and-military-aid). - Sign and share these petitions on social media to amplify their reach.
4. **Contact Your Representatives:** - Write to your local congressional representatives urging them to support humanitarian aid for Ukraine and to prioritize a just resolution to the conflict. - **Example Representatives to Contact:** - **Senator Chuck Schumer**: - Email: schumer.senate.gov/contact/email-chuck - Mailing Address: 780 Third Avenue, Suite 2301, New York, NY 10017 - **Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez**: - Email: ocasiocortez.house.gov/contact - Mailing Address: 1651 Third Avenue, Suite 311, New York, NY 10128
5. **Draft Letters:** - When contacting representatives, communicate the following points: - Emphasize the importance of supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty. - Advocate for a peace deal that ensures long-term stability and security for Ukrainians. - Urge them to reject any agreements that compromise Ukraine’s territorial integrity or democratic aspirations. - Example message: "Dear [Representative’s Name], I urge you to support continued humanitarian and military aid for Ukraine. It is crucial that any negotiations prioritize the sovereignty and safety of the Ukrainian people. A just peace should not come at the cost of their rights and freedoms."
6. **Participate in Local Events:** - Join local rallies or informational meetings organized by humanitarian groups or peace organizations advocating for Ukraine. - Engage with community leaders to organize discussions about how to support Ukraine both locally and globally.
7. **Utilize Social Media:** - Use platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram to raise awareness about the situation in Ukraine. Share informative posts, articles, and personal insights. - Create or participate in campaigns using hashtags like #StandWithUkraine and #PeaceForUkraine.
8. **Engage with Academic Institutions:** - If you’re affiliated with a university or college, propose forums or panels discussing the war and peace efforts in Ukraine. Invite experts or activists to speak.
9. **Promote Peaceful Dialogue:** - Encourage discussions among friends and family about diplomacy and peacebuilding. - Advocate for non-violent resolutions to conflicts in your community and beyond.
By taking these actions, individuals can contribute to a broader movement advocating for peace and justice in Ukraine while fostering a culture of awareness and activism in their communities.