**US and Russia Hold Talks on Ukraine War, But No Progress Made**
The United States held new talks with Russian officials earlier this week, but unfortunately, they had no impact on ending the war in Ukraine. This was revealed by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in an interview with Fox News Radio on July 31.
According to Rubio, the discussions took place on Monday or Tuesday and involved some of Putin’s top advisors, although not the Russian president himself. The aim of these talks was to find a way towards a ceasefire and peace deal before the August 8 deadline set by US President Donald Trump earlier. However, Rubio said that no progress was made in this regard.
**Trump’s Deadline for Peace Deal Looms**
Since Trump imposed the new deadline for Russia, Moscow has attacked several cities across Ukraine. The latest attack on Kyiv overnight on July 31 resulted in at least 15 deaths and over 135 injuries. Trump has pushed for a peace deal by next week, warning that if Russia does not halt its invasion, US sanctions will target countries continuing to trade with Russia.
“The best path forward is to have the shooting stop and the talking start,” Rubio said. “But so far there’s not been, what we feel at least, sincere interest on the Russian side in achieving that objective.”
**US Preparing for Possible Economic Pressure**
Rubio stated that Trump’s administration still hopes to avoid additional economic pressure but is preparing for a scenario where diplomacy fails. Among the options being considered are secondary sanctions on Russian oil exports and sectoral banking restrictions.
**Russia’s Nuclear Capabilities “Unfathomable”**
When asked whether Russia could militarily confront the US, Rubio called the scenario “unfathomable,” citing both countries’ vast nuclear arsenals and the risk of miscalculation. He also pointed out that Russia struggled with Ukraine, who now has the largest army in Europe.
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