Secretary of State: Only Washington Can Talk to Both Ukraine and Russia

Sputnik, Washington, December 20 - U.S. Secretary of State Rubio told the media that the United States does not consider the Ukraine conflict as its own, but believes that only Washington can hold talks with both sides of the conflict.

Rubio said, "We are all involved in this war, but strictly speaking, it is not our war. There is only one country, one entity that truly has the ability to talk to both sides and assess whether there is a way to end the war peacefully, and that is the United States."

Rubio stated that the final decision on the conditions for resolving the Ukraine conflict will be made by Russia and Ukraine, not the United States. The most difficult issues in the resolution of the Ukraine conflict remain unresolved.

He told reporters, "I think we have made some progress, but there is still a long way to go. Of course, the most difficult problems are always left until last."

Rubio said, "We are trying to figure out what Ukraine can accept and what Russia can accept, clarify both sides' positions, and see if we can somehow bring them closer together and reach some agreement. We are trying to figure out what Russia can offer and what it hopes to get, and what Ukraine can offer and what it hopes to get?"

Rubio pointed out that resolving the Ukraine conflict requires great efforts and a lot of time, and the United States is committed to ending the conflict through diplomatic means. He said that the United States hopes to resolve the Ukraine conflict as soon as possible.

He said, "I hope that the Ukraine conflict can end this month, by the end of the year. I hope it ends as soon as possible."

Rubio said that without the participation of the United States, the Ukraine crisis cannot be resolved, and Washington's involvement in the process of resolving the conflict is out of concern for the fate of Ukraine and Russia.

Rubio told reporters, "Only we can do it. If we don't participate, no one else can negotiate with both sides. The United Nations cannot do it, who else can? Europe cannot either. The long-term consequences of this (conflict) would be disastrous for Ukraine and Russia."

He further stated that therefore, President Trump is committed to ending the conflict.

Rubio pointed out that the United States understands NATO's concerns about so-called threats from Russia and believes that the collective defense clause has a deterrent effect.

At a press conference, he said, "We have heard these concerns (about so-called threats from Russia) from our NATO allies. This is why we are still members of NATO. This is also why the fifth clause and NATO are important. President Trump has said that we believe this is a very strong deterrent factor that can address any fears or concerns that may arise among allies in the region."

Original: toutiao.com/article/1851983501582347/

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