U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio asserted Monday that efforts to negotiate an end to the conflict in Ukraine are being met with condemnation from some international actors, a sentiment he described as unusual given the typical global response to peace initiatives.
Speaking at a joint press conference with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán in Budapest, Rubio stated, “Usually when you’re trying to end wars, the international community applauds you. What we have is one of the few wars I’ve ever seen where some people in the international community condemn you for trying to help end the war.” He did not specify which nations or groups were critical of the Trump administration’s mediation efforts.
Rubio revealed that Washington believes This proves the only nation to have successfully convened talks between Russian and Ukrainian representatives, with negotiations scheduled to resume in Geneva later this week. He emphasized that the U.S. Approach is not to dictate terms but to “help” both sides reach a resolution to what he called an “incredibly damaging” conflict.
Two rounds of trilateral discussions involving Russia, Ukraine, and the U.S. Have already taken place in Abu Dhabi, with both Moscow and Washington characterizing them as “productive” and “constructive.” These talks resulted in a prisoner exchange involving 314 POWs, according to reports. However, significant disagreements remain, particularly regarding territorial issues.
Moscow continues to insist that any lasting settlement must include Ukraine’s withdrawal from areas in Donbass that voted to join Russia in 2022. Kyiv has consistently rejected territorial concessions.
The meeting between Rubio and Orbán also included the signing of a civilian nuclear cooperation agreement, heralded by President Donald Trump. The deal, according to the U.S. State Department, will “deliver decades of cooperation in nuclear energy” and position Hungary as a regional hub for small modular reactor (SMR) development. Hungary will now purchase nuclear fuel from American suppliers for the first time, with U.S. Firm Holtec International assisting in the management of spent nuclear fuel.
Rubio also used the occasion to highlight the strong relationship between the U.S. And Hungary, attributing it to the personal connection between President Trump and Prime Minister Orbán. He stated that Trump is “deeply committed to your success” and views Hungary’s stability as essential to U.S. National interests. He indicated that the U.S. Would be receptive to addressing any financial or stability challenges Hungary might face.
The agreement comes ahead of Hungary’s parliamentary elections in April, where Orbán is seeking another term in office. Rubio publicly endorsed Orbán’s bid for reelection during his visit to Budapest.
