**U.S. Secretary of State Denounces Russia’s Aggression in Ukraine**
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has spoken out against Russia’s actions in Ukraine, calling them “atrocities” and “horrible things”. However, he also expressed doubts about Kyiv’s ability to completely defeat Russia and return to its pre-2014 state.
Rubio made these comments on the Megyn Kelly Show. He said that it was “dishonest” to claim that Ukraine could defeat Russia and push President Vladimir Putin back to 2012 or 2014, when Russia took Crimea. Rubio stated that this was not a realistic scenario and that the U.S. had been “funding a stalemate” in the war.
**Ukraine’s Prospects for Victory**
Rubio acknowledged that Ukraine has made significant progress since the start of the conflict, but he expressed concerns about Kyiv’s ability to fully defeat Russia. He noted that the energy grid was being targeted and that many Ukrainians had fled the country, with some possibly never returning.
The U.S. Secretary of State also criticized the Biden administration for its handling of the situation in Ukraine. He suggested that the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021 was a signal to Putin that America was “in decline or distracted”, leading to the decision to launch the full-scale invasion.
**Seeking a Swift Resolution**
Rubio called for a swift resolution to the conflict, stating that it was time to move beyond funding a stalemate. He reiterated his earlier statements that both sides would need to make compromises for successful negotiations.
The U.S. Secretary of State’s comments come as EU officials are discussing the possibility of resuming purchases of Russian gas as part of a potential settlement of Russia’s war in Ukraine.
