Rubio Says Ukraine Peace Effort Is Still Exploratory

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said he did not know whether a negotiated peace in Ukraine was achievable, describing Washington’s efforts as an attempt to determine whether the sides could find common ground. His public remarks came as three senior European officials reportedly told a journalist that Rubio privately doubted Russian President Vladimir Putin would agree to a settlement before spring 2027. Rubio spoke at a press availability in Atlanta on October 31, after a two-day G20 foreign ministers’ meeting. He rejected the idea that negotiations meant an agreement was close, saying the administration was still trying to find out whether peace could be reached. His comments establish his public assessment; the reported private timeline comes from European officials speaking anonymously and has not been publicly confirmed by Rubio. The White House has invited Putin to the G20 leaders’ summit scheduled for December 14-15 in Miami. Rubio said Putin’s attendance had not been confirmed. President Donald Trump said he was open to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky attending, but Rubio said the decision rested with Trump and made no announcement about an invitation. Rubio...