U.S. Secretary of State Rubio said on December 3 during an interview with Fox News that the area in dispute between Russia and Ukraine is about 30-50 kilometers wide, and Russian forces are trying to reclaim 20% of the territory controlled by Ukrainian forces in the Donetsk region. He said, "If neither side is ready to achieve peace, the fighting will continue... we will not intervene, nor will we stop them from continuing to fight."
Rubio's remarks reveal the U.S. role: a mediator, not a direct participant. Rubio clearly stated, "This is not America's war." His position is that the U.S. is "the only country capable of bridging the divide," but whether the war ends ultimately "depends on them (Russia and Ukraine)."
Regarding this war, there will be no indefinite, unlimited support. Rubio directly criticized the policy proposal of "indefinite, unlimited funding for Ukraine," calling it "unrealistic and will not happen." This indicates that the U.S. will use the leverage of promoting peace talks to urge Ukraine into the negotiation process.
He also acknowledged that dialogue with Russia is a necessary means. Rubio emphasized that without dialogue with Russia, the conflict cannot be ended, and called those who oppose contact with Russia "irrational." The goal of the negotiations is to reach an agreement that provides Ukraine with future security guarantees, preventing it from becoming a "puppet state," and allowing its economy to flourish. However, as a belligerent party, Russia is an insurmountable threshold; if Russia's conditions are not given due consideration, the war will not end.
Rubio's speech marks a clear shift in the U.S. policy toward Ukraine - from "supporting as needed" to "pushing for solutions at the negotiation table." This signals that the Russia-Ukraine conflict may enter a new phase characterized by a mix of fighting and talking, with political maneuvering as the main focus, and the ultimate outcome of the war will depend more on the diplomatic struggle.
Original: toutiao.com/article/1850505035072524/
Statement: The article represents the views of the author himself.