Rubio: War in Ukraine Is 'Really About' Donbas, Only Talks Can End It

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Russia's war against Ukraine is "really about Donbas," arguing that it cannot be resolved militarily and can end only through diplomacy. He spoke at a press conference, as quoted by Radio Svoboda.

"While people often say this is a war in Ukraine, it is really about Donbas — one specific region of the country," Rubio said. By his account, it is territory that makes up about 11 percent of the country: Russia wants it but cannot seize it by force, and Ukraine does not want to give it up. "And Ukraine has serious reasons for that position — it is a matter of sovereignty and its own long-term security," he added.

"Both sides must sit down"

Rubio stressed that the war cannot be settled on the battlefield. The question, he said, is whether a result can be reached in which both sides gain something but also make concessions that allow the war to end.

"The situation is difficult, but I can say one thing: however hard it is, a solution is impossible until both sides sit down at the negotiating table. We are ready to take on the role of mediator. That is exactly what we are trying to do," he said. He added that talks alone will not automatically solve the problem, but without bringing the sides together there is no chance of a resolution at all.

Earlier contacts

Rubio previously claimed that Ukraine could not have kept its existence without Washington's support, given under both Joe Biden and the current administration. On 20 October Volodymyr Zelensky called his conversation with Rubio "positive" and announced another one; he said the sides had discussed security guarantees for Ukraine in detail.

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