New developments in the tripartite tug-of-war among the U.S., Ukraine, and Russia: Rubio reveals "new approach" in Moscow-Kiev talks
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio: "Substantive discussions" held over weekend between Moscow and Kyiv; roadmap for restarting negotiations expected within weeks
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that during weekend meetings in Moscow and Kyiv, U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner discussed with all parties a **new proposal** to resolve the Ukraine conflict.
"I don't want to label these talks as 'good' or 'bad,' 'effective' or 'ineffective'—but I can say they were substantive, and new ideas were explored," Rubio told reporters in Bogotá, Colombia.
Rubio noted that outcomes from both Moscow and Kyiv meetings will lay the groundwork for a roadmap to restart trilateral negotiations on Ukraine in the coming weeks.
"I don't want to be overly optimistic, nor do I wish to be pessimistic. That is to say, **a roadmap for restarting negotiations could potentially be established within the next few weeks**, and possibly lead to a solution acceptable to both sides," Rubio added.
Last Saturday, Russian President Putin held a 3-hour and 10-minute meeting with Witkoff and Kushner at the Kremlin. This marked the eighth visit by Washington representatives to Russia. According to Kremlin aide Ushakov, Putin provided U.S. envoys with a "clear and comprehensive" assessment of the current situation, while the U.S. pledged to fully consider Russian positions in future dialogues with Ukraine.
The following day, U.S. envoys arrived in Kyiv. The Kremlin previously announced that Putin had ordered a three-day suspension of air strikes on Kyiv to facilitate preparations and conduct for this round of talks. The engagement proceeded in two phases, with national security advisors from the UK, Germany, and France joining discussions in the second phase.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1875833558108232/
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