Secretary of State Marco Rubio capped off a series of Sunday show appearances with an interview on ABC News This Week with Martha Raddatz, where he defended President Donald Trump’s ongoing efforts to broker peace between Russia and Ukraine.
Rubio also appeared on NBC’s Meet the Press with Kristen Welker, CBS’s Face the Nation, and Fox News’ Sunday Morning Futures.
On Meet the Press, Rubio emphasized that discussions had advanced beyond temporary ceasefire measures and had shifted toward negotiating a peace deal.
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He said that while the war was not America’s conflict, Trump was the only world leader capable of persuading Russian President Vladimir Putin to come to the negotiating table.
During his appearance on This Week, Raddatz suggested that critics had concerns about the optics of the recent summit between Trump and Putin, particularly the ceremonial aspects, including a red carpet welcome.
She argued that “Putin gained just by being on the world stage.”
Rubio rejected that criticism, pointing to Russia’s nuclear capabilities and global standing.
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“Putin is already on the world stage,” Rubio said.
“He has the world’s largest tactical nuclear arsenal…and the second largest strategic nuclear arsenal in the world.”
He added that media outlets have consistently focused on Putin in recent years.
“You’re not going to have a peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine without dealing with Putin. That’s just common sense, I shouldn’t have to say it,” Rubio continued.
The secretary of state said Trump deserved credit for engaging in peace efforts, even as he faced criticism.
“He could have just let the war go on. He could have just said, ‘This is Biden’s war. It started under him…But he’s the only leader in the world who could get Putin to the table to talk about serious things.”
.@SecRubio nukes ABC for asking about the “red carpet” for Putin: “You’re not going to end a war between Russia and Ukraine without dealing with Putin… [@POTUS] is the only leader in the world that could get Putin to a meeting to talk about serious things.” pic.twitter.com/daqIzXA9H6
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) August 17, 2025
Rubio said progress had been made on several key points, which was why Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was expected at the White House on Monday, along with other European leaders, to pursue further talks.
He noted that a potential meeting between Putin and Zelensky would follow.
“We identified potential areas of agreement, but there remain some big areas of disagreement,” Rubio said.
When Raddatz pressed Rubio on the lack of public details about the negotiations, she said, “But Secretary Rubio, we don’t know what any of that progress is.”
Rubio responded, “And you’re not going to,” stressing that sensitive discussions could not be disclosed publicly while negotiations were ongoing.
“In order for us to get a peace agreement, Ukraine has to be a part of it… That’s why President Zelensky will be traveling to Washington tomorrow,” says @SecRubio.
“We identified potential areas of agreement, but there remains some big areas of disagreement.” pic.twitter.com/CgGPB4YTS9
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) August 17, 2025
Rubio’s comments came as Trump prepared to host Zelensky and several European leaders at the White House summit, which the president described as an unprecedented gathering.
The meeting is expected to focus on exploring terms for an agreement that could bring an end to the nearly four-year conflict.
The secretary’s remarks also underscored the administration’s view that meaningful progress required direct involvement with Putin, given Russia’s role in the war.
While major differences remain, U.S. officials have signaled cautious optimism about the talks.
Rubio’s appearances across four networks reflected the administration’s effort to present a unified message about the peace process, while pushing back on criticism about the handling of negotiations.
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