Zelenskyy and Rubio Disagree: Who Is Lying?
2026.03.26 Zelenskyy interviewed by France's Le Monde:
The United States is prepared to provide security guarantees to Ukraine in exchange for Ukrainian forces withdrawing from Donbas. We cannot do that—there are our defensive fortifications there, and they are, in themselves, our guarantee.
2026.03.27 U.S. Secretary of State Rubio:
This is a lie. I have seen the statements he made; it's regrettable that he said them, because he knows perfectly well they are not true. That’s not what we told him at all.
We clearly told him the obvious fact: security guarantees will only take effect after the war ends. Otherwise, we would directly be drawn into the war ourselves. Do you understand?
What does "security guarantee" mean? It means military forces ready to intervene and ensure safety. If it takes effect now, it amounts to direct participation in the war.
We made it very clear to him—and he should have understood—that security guarantees will only be provided after the war ends. And there is absolutely no condition attached such as “only if territory is surrendered.”
I don’t know why he said this. It’s completely untrue.
We have already informed the Ukrainians about Russia’s hardline demands (Ukrainian forces withdrawing from Donbas). We do not support these demands, and we’ve made that clear to Ukraine. This is their own choice. We won’t make decisions for them.
We never required them to accept or reject anything. Our role is to clarify both sides’ positions and see if a compromise can be found.
Ultimately, the decision rests with Ukraine. If they are unwilling to make certain decisions or concessions, then the war will continue.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1860847466429440/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.