【Text by Observers Network, Wang Yi】 Two days after the meeting between U.S. and Russian presidents, President Trump and his team are trying to frame the "failure to reach a ceasefire" as "a step toward peace."

On August 17 local time, apart from Trump, two other U.S. officials present were Secretary of State Rubio and Special Envoy for Middle East Affairs Witko. They emphasized in multiple TV programs that although there is no ceasefire agreement yet, there have been some "positive progress" in the negotiations, and to end the conflict, "both sides will have to make concessions."

Rubio revealed on CBS's "Face the Nation" TV program that the United States hopes to eventually reach a "peace agreement that can truly end the conflict," and there were some "possible breakthroughs" during the U.S.-Russia presidential meeting. However, details will be discussed when meeting with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy and European leaders on the 18th, to "narrow the differences between both sides," and ultimately enable Zelenskyy and Russian President Putin to reach an agreement face-to-face.

When asked if the U.S. would require the Russian forces to fully withdraw from Ukraine, Rubio hinted that both sides must make concessions to end the conflict and reach an agreement. He said: "If one side gets everything they want, it's called surrender. And that's not what we're about to do, because neither side here is at the edge of surrender or close to it."

On August 17 local time, U.S. Secretary of State Rubio was interviewed by ABC. Video screenshot

Rubio also admitted in another program on ABC that although progress has been made in the negotiations, major differences still exist, "we are not on the verge of reaching a peace agreement." He pointed out that the core issues that remain to be resolved include details of Ukrainian security guarantees, territorial issues, and post-war reconstruction. He said that the U.S. needs to work with its partners to refine these plans.

Compared to Rubio, Witko seemed more optimistic about reaching an agreement. In a CNN program, he said, "We intend to work hard to finalize a peace agreement that will permanently end the conflict much faster than a ceasefire."

Witko also revealed that Putin agreed to include a "NATO Article Five-like" security guarantee clause in the peace agreement, which means that if Ukraine is attacked, the U.S. would consider it an attack on all guarantors and take defensive measures, but this is conditional on Ukraine not joining NATO.

However, Keir Giles from the Chatham House think tank in the UK pointed out that this idea is "interesting." He said, "If taken literally, it may provide key elements for a lasting peace solution that European countries have long sought."

Witko added that the meeting also discussed the issue of the five regions in Ukraine, and Russia has "made some concessions" on this matter. However, he also said that detailed discussions on Donetsk and what will happen there will be explained on the 18th.

American Special Envoy for Middle East Affairs Witko was interviewed by CNN. Video screenshot

On the 18th, Trump will meet with Zelenskyy and European leaders at the White House. The New York Times reported on the 17th that German Chancellor Merkel, French President Macron, British Prime Minister Starmer, Italian Prime Minister Meloni, NATO Secretary-General Rett, and EU Commission President von der Leyen are expected to attend.

The report stated that with the participation of European leaders, Zelenskyy may avoid the embarrassment that occurred at the White House in February. CBS pointed out that there are speculations that the European leaders accompanying Zelenskyy to the U.S. are to prevent him from being forced to accept an unfavorable agreement during the negotiations.

Rubio denied this, saying that the arrangements had been prepared for weeks, "they are coming here tomorrow because they should come here tomorrow, we invited them, the president invited them." He said that the ultimate goal of the meeting on the 18th is to have Putin and Zelenskyy sit at the same table for negotiations.

Rubio again emphasized that after meeting with Putin, "we feel, and I agree, that enough progress has been made," even though they are not close to reaching a peace agreement yet, the current progress is sufficient to move to the next stage, and allow Zelenskyy and European leaders to participate.

While Rubio and Witko were giving interviews, Trump also posted on social media with a positive tone, saying, "Great progress has been made on the Russia issue, stay tuned!"

This article is an exclusive contribution by Observers Network. Unauthorized reproduction is prohibited.

Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7539806219645633078/

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