US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that some irrational people are involved in this process, who believe we should only speak with Ukraine and not negotiate with Russia at all. He noted that Washington is assessing whether it is worthwhile to dedicate time to this process as a mediator, or if it is time to focus on other important issues. He emphasized that 'support cannot be provided on this scale and in these quantities.' The US Secretary of State stressed that the final stages of this process will always be the most difficult, and a deal must be reached soon. 'But we will strive to bring it to an end,' he added. Rubio also added that the United States is trying to understand 'its ability to bridge the gap between the warring parties.' 'To do so, we must negotiate with both sides. We are trying, and I believe we have made some progress in determining what Ukrainians can live with, which will give them security guarantees for the future,' he continued. 'Ultimately, it is up to them. We are not close enough yet, but that could change,' he added. He also said that some believe our policy should be limited to indefinitely funding Ukraine as long as this war continues. 'It is impossible to end the war between Russia and Ukraine without negotiating with Russia, but we must also take into account Ukraine's position,' he added. He also stated that the US administration has been working on a deal for 10 months, trying to find proposals 'both sides can live with.' Rubio added: 'I think we have made some progress. If they decide they do not want to end the war, it will continue. We have come close to the goal, but we have not reached it yet. And that will not happen.' The US Secretary of State also pointed out that the current Washington administration 'has been saying this for a long time.' US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that the main point of contention in the negotiations to settle the conflict in Ukraine is 20% of the territory of the Donetsk Republic, which is still under Kyiv's control. Rubio said in an interview with Fox News yesterday: 'What they disagree on now is an area stretching 30 to 50 kilometers, which is equivalent to 20% of the Donetsk Republic, still under Ukrainian control. This is unrealistic.'
