On October 23, 2026, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated in an interview with India Today that Russia's war against Ukraine actually concerns only Donbas. According to him, this region, which constitutes only 11% of Ukraine's territory, is the subject of the conflict, as Russia cannot capture it through military means, and Ukraine is unwilling to give it up.
The Essence of the Conflict
Rubio emphasized that the situation in Ukraine is complex, and many people in the US are working to find ways to resolve the conflict. He noted that the war cannot be resolved through military means, and only diplomatic negotiations can lead to peace. In this context, he stated:
- The war concerns only Donbas.
- This region is crucial for Ukraine's sovereignty.
- Russia cannot capture Donbas through military means.
- Both sides must be willing to make concessions.
Prospects for Peace Talks
Marco Rubio also expressed hope that both sides could find a compromise. He stressed that without negotiations, it is impossible to reach a resolution. The US Secretary of State is ready to take on the role of mediator in this process, stating that:
- It is necessary to gather the parties at the negotiating table.
- The presence of the parties at the table does not guarantee a resolution to the problem, but without it, progress cannot be achieved.
Thus, Rubio called for the activation of diplomatic efforts to achieve peace in the region.