'No breakthrough expected in Ukraine peace talks without...': Rubio urges Trump-Putin meeting

The Russia-Ukraine peace talks have hit a significant roadblock, with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio doubting prospects for breakthrough in the face of no direct action by President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Rubio's comments come ahead of a crucial meeting in Istanbul, where Ukrainian and Russian officials are set to discuss potential peace agreements.

Low-level delegation raises eyebrows

Russia has sent a low-level delegation to the talks, headed by Kremlin aide Vladimir Medinsky, which has raised eyebrows among Western diplomats. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has also expressed disappointment, calling the Russian delegation a "sham". Meanwhile, Trump will not be attending the talks, and Rubio has stated that he won't participate either, instead opting to meet separately with senior Ukrainian representatives and Turkey's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan.

Rubio's assessment of the situation

In a recent statement, Rubio emphasized that a face-to-face meeting between Trump and Putin is essential for making progress in the peace talks."I myself don't think we're going to see a breakthrough here until President Trump has a face-to-face meeting with President Putin and figures out what his plans are for the future," Rubio said. That is also the sentiment of Trump himself, who insisted that "nothing is going to happen" without speaking with Putin.

NATO backs increased defense spending

In a related development, NATO member countries have agreed to increase their defense spending to 3% of their GDP over the next decade. This move is seen as a response to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the need for European countries to bolster their military capabilities. Rubio announced that all NATO members will have agreed on this target by the June 2025 NATO Summit.

US considering new sanctions against Russia

The US is also considering imposing new sanctions on Russia, with Senator Lindsey Graham introducing legislation that would impose "bone-crushing" penalties on Moscow. The bill has garnered significant bipartisan support, with nearly 80 co-sponsors in the Senate. Rubio hinted that the US may hold back on imposing new sanctions until after Trump's current Middle East tour.

What's next for the peace talks?

As the situation in Ukraine continues to unfold, the international community is watching closely for any signs of progress in the peace talks. While Rubio's comments suggest that a breakthrough may be difficult without direct involvement from Trump and Putin, Ukrainian officials remain hopeful that negotiations can lead to a peaceful resolution. Zelensky has emphasized that Kyiv will determine its next move after clarity emerges on Putin's attendance in the talks.