**Ukrainian FM Meets US Secretary of State and Senator in Antalya Ahead of Kyiv-Moscow Talks**
In a significant development, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha met with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Senator Lindsey Graham in Antalya, Turkey on May 14. The meeting comes as the world watches the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian war, with US President Donald Trump pushing for direct talks between Kyiv and Moscow.
According to Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Sybiha exchanged views with Rubio and Graham on peaceful settlement strategies and mapped out further steps. This follows a recent summit of the “Coalition of the Willing,” where Western leaders, excluding the US, urged Russia to observe a 30-day ceasefire from May 12.
Despite Putin proposing direct peace talks in Istanbul for May 15, he backed out and delegated the task to his aide Medinsky. Ukraine, however, confirmed its participation, and Turkish President Erdoğan agreed to host the negotiations.
**Sybiha Emphasizes Importance of Russia’s Response**
In a statement, Sybiha highlighted the discussion on the “logic of next steps” and Ukrainian approaches to a peace settlement. He emphasized that Russia must respond in kind to Ukraine’s constructive moves, stating, “So far, it hasn’t. Moscow must realize that rejecting peace comes at a cost.”
Sybiha also expressed appreciation for the United States’ involvement and confirmed Ukraine’s readiness to build cooperation on “constructive and mutually beneficial” grounds. Furthermore, he voiced Ukraine’s commitment to President Trump’s peace efforts.
**Rubio Attends NATO Meeting in Antalya**
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in Antalya on May 14 to attend an informal NATO foreign ministers’ meeting. The agenda includes alliance-wide security priorities, calls for increased defense spending by member states, and the ongoing war in Ukraine.
On May 15, NATO ministers discussed a US proposal calling for allies to raise defense spending to 5% of their GDP within seven years. Rubio stated, “The alliance is only as strong as its weakest link,” stressing that the investment should target capabilities required for 21st-century threats.
**Analysis**
The meeting between Sybiha, Rubio, and Graham marks a significant development in the ongoing efforts to bring peace to Ukraine. The emphasis on Russia’s response to Ukraine’s constructive moves highlights the challenges ahead in achieving a just peace.
As the world watches the unfolding events, it remains to be seen whether Putin will take concrete steps towards peace or continue to dig his heels in. One thing is certain, however – the international community is watching and waiting for tangible progress on this critical issue.
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