Rubio: "Some Progress" Made in Russia Talks on Ukraine Crisis

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio says America has made "some progress" in talks with Russia about ending the war in Ukraine. The comments mark the first concrete acknowledgment from the Trump administration that diplomatic efforts are actively underway, signaling a potential shift from the previous approach of primarily providing military aid.

Speaking to Fox News host Sean Hannity on Tuesday, Rubio outlined what the US is trying to accomplish. "What we've tried to do, and I think we've made some progress on, is figuring out what Ukrainians can live with that gives them security guarantees for the future," he said.

The secretary of state emphasized that any settlement should help Ukraine "not just rebuild their economy, but also thrive as a nation." This suggests the US is looking beyond just stopping the fighting to create conditions for Ukraine's long-term stability.

Rubio's comments come as the war approaches its third year, with both sides facing mounting pressure to find a diplomatic solution. Russia controls roughly 20% of Ukrainian territory, while Ukraine has been pushing for security guarantees that would prevent future Russian aggression.

For financial markets, any progress toward peace talks could affect energy prices, defense spending, and reconstruction investments. European markets have been particularly sensitive to developments in the conflict, given the continent's proximity and economic ties to both countries.

But the details matter. Previous attempts at negotiations have stalled over fundamental disagreements about territorial control and security arrangements. Ukraine has insisted it won't give up territory permanently, while Russia has demanded recognition of its territorial gains.

The mention of "security guarantees" is significant because it addresses Ukraine's core concern about preventing future attacks. This could involve NATO membership, bilateral defense agreements, or other arrangements that would deter Russian aggression.