"This is a war for Donbas," Rubio said, identifying the key issue in the negotiations

The U.S. Secretary of State made these remarks in an interview with India Today.

The Search for a Compromise and the Role of the U.S.

According to Rubio, the main disagreements regarding ending the war center on the temporarily occupied part of Donbas.

People constantly talk about this being a war in Ukraine. This war concerns the Donbas. It concerns one region of the country. It’s… essentially, it’s about 11% of one part of this country that Russia wants but cannot capture by military means, and which Ukraine is unwilling to give up– said the U.S. Secretary of State.

He added that Ukraine’s principled position is rooted in considerations of sovereignty and long-term security.

The U.S. official emphasized that resolving the conflict will require both sides to be willing to “make certain concessions.”

As difficult as it may be, this cannot be done unless both sides sit down at the negotiating table, and we are happy to serve as a mediator in this matterRubio noted.

He also added that the U.S. is working daily to find ways to end Russia’s war against Ukraine.

As a reminder, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy Outlined the Key Conditions for a just peace with Russia. First and foremost, this includes a complete ceasefire, strengthening the Defense Forces, and security guarantees.