Rubio Calls Ukraine War a Dangerous Stalemate and Doubts Near-Term Peace Deal

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the Russia-Ukraine war as a "dangerous stalemate" on Thursday, speaking during a visit to Lisbon where he met with Portugal's leaders. Rubio said the Trump administration does not believe the conflict can be resolved militarily and warned of the risk of escalation into a broader regional war, while expressing hope that that very risk of escalation would pressure both sides to come to the negotiating table.

Rubio cast doubt on the prospects for a negotiated settlement in the near term, citing Russia's insistence on full control over Ukraine's Donetsk Oblast without further fighting as a key sticking point. Moscow has also rejected a ceasefire and is demanding Kyiv surrender the entire Donbas region, conditions Washington views as obstacles to progress. Despite those difficulties, Rubio said the United States would continue trying to facilitate a settlement and that any deal must be permanent, enduring, and fair.

On the broader transatlantic relationship, Rubio told NATO allies that every member needs to be as strong as possible and defended U.S. pressure on allies to boost defense spending, calling it "not hostile." He also said Washington would be "unapologetic" about its pursuit of national power.