On 7 June 2025, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot that direct negotiations between Ukraine and Russia remain essential for ending the war, according to a readout from the US Department of State.
Since taking office in January, Trump had been advocating for talks between Moscow and Kyiv to end Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. But with Russia maintaining maximalist demands that amount to Ukraine’s capitulation, and continuing to target civilians and infrastructure, Trump’s efforts have proven ineffective.
Rubio brings up direct talks in phone call with Barrot
The US State Department reported that Rubio and Barrot spoke about global security developments. According to the official readout,
“Secretary Rubio underscored the importance of continued direct negotiations between Russia and Ukraine to achieve a lasting peace.”
In the same 7 June call, Rubio and Barrot “reaffirmed their shared commitment to preventing Iran from developing or obtaining a nuclear weapon.” They also discussed support for Israel and emphasized the need to free hostages held in Gaza by Hamas. However, the focus on Ukraine again highlighted Washington’s ongoing strategy of promoting negotiations with Russia.
Zelenskyy rejects Trump’s comparison of war to “two little kids fighting.” He says Putin is murderer who kills these kids
Diplomatic pressure unchanged despite lack of results
Despite all the diplomatic efforts, Russia continues to demand Kyiv’s de facto capitulation, repeating its initial full-scale invasion objectives from 2022.
Rubio’s message comes days after a 2 June meeting in Istanbul between Ukrainian and Russian low-level representatives, where both sides agreed to a new exchange of prisoners and fallen soldiers.
ISW: Ukraine denies Russian claims on alleged blocking of POW and KIA body exchange
However, Ukraine’s First Deputy Foreign Minister Serhii Kyslytsya said that Russia again rejected an unconditional ceasefire.
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