US Secretary of State Rubio describes Abu Dhabi talks between US, Russia, Ukraine as 'very productive' - Anadolu Ajansı
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio characterized Tuesday’s trilateral negotiations between the US, Russia, and Ukraine in Abu Dhabi as "very productive," saying that their diplomatic efforts are looking to construct durable security arrangements.
"There's a lot of work behind in that regard. It's not like something that's on the verge of being solved in the next 24 hours or anything like that," Rubio told reporters Tuesday at a G7 ministerial meeting in France.
Rubio said Russian representatives agreeing to the trilateral format and showing up is "good."
Rubio pointed out that European Union nations are present in Abu Dhabi alongside US negotiators Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, addressing European concerns over being sidelined.
"We want the war to end, and we want there never to be a war again. So that requires not just ending the war, but also ensuring that Ukraine never again feels threatened for its security," said Rubio.
Day one of the latest trilateral Russia-Ukraine peace talks in the Emirati capital Abu Dhabi under US mediation ended after 4 1/2 hours of negotiations, according to Russian media outlets.
The talks seem set to continue, as Ukrainian state news agency Ukrinform, citing the press service of Ukraine's Foreign Intelligence Service, reported that the talks will resume on Wednesday morning.
Russian presidential envoy Vladimir Medinsky is leading Moscow’s delegation, while Kyiv is being led by Rustem Umerov, the head of Ukraine’s Foreign Intelligence Service.
The talks are the first to take place since trilateral negotiations were held in Geneva, Switzerland this February, preceded by another two rounds of negotiations in January and February, also hosted in Abu Dhabi.
Addressing the Iran war, Rubio said the administration's economic campaign is inflicting such devastation that President Donald Trump has "no need to conduct major combat operations" at this time, though the US military remains ready if Tehran breaches "red lines," which he did not specify.
Turning to diplomatic prospects, Rubio described Iranian demands, including reparations, as "unrealistic" preconditions. He emphasized that the US remains open to diplomacy once economic realities compel Tehran to change its conditions.
Rubio criticized the reluctance of international partners to contribute military assets to protect commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, describing the stance as a paradoxical situation where foreign nations offer forces only when no risk of conflict exists.
He said maritime transit has reached 80% to 85% of pre-conflict levels, with Iranian vessels being the only tankers consistently halted.
Rubio said he raised the issue of global partners taking part to safeguard the commercial corridor in a G7 meeting but "didn't get a response."
Downplaying concerns about China's oil purchases from Iran, Rubio claimed Beijing is merely acquiring oil already at sea, a supply he thinks will run out soon.
Rubio voiced concern and said Washington is "troubled by" Houthi strikes targeting Saudi Arabia, confirming that Washington maintains binding defense agreements with Riyadh and will continue living up to those commitments.
On a possible US, Russia, and China meeting, Rubio did not say whether other parties are open to discussing denuclearization, but confirmed the parties are actively working to organize a meeting.
