Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the United States is uniquely positioned to mediate an end to the war between Russia and Ukraine, emphasizing that no other country has the diplomatic leverage to engage both sides simultaneously.

Speaking during his year-end press conference on December 19, 2025, Rubio stressed that while the conflict is not America’s war, Washington remains the only actor capable of determining whether a negotiated settlement is possible.

“It’s not our war,” Rubio said. “But there’s only one entity on Earth that can actually talk to both sides and figure out whether there’s a way to end this war peacefully, and that’s the United States.”

Rubio explained that U.S. influence stems from its ability to maintain communication channels with both Kyiv and Moscow while coordinating closely with NATO allies and global partners. He said the Trump administration has conducted extensive high-level diplomacy, including multiple leader-level engagements, to assess whether common ground exists for a diplomatic resolution.

The secretary emphasized that the United States is not seeking to impose terms or force Ukraine into concessions but is focused on identifying overlapping interests that could bring an end to the conflict without further loss of life. He described the diplomatic effort as deliberate and measured, aimed at testing whether peace is achievable rather than prolonging a stalemate.

Rubio’s remarks reflect the administration’s broader foreign policy approach of prioritizing U.S. national interests while leveraging American power to reduce global instability. He underscored that continued warfare benefits no one and that the United States has a responsibility, given its influence, to explore every viable path toward peace.

The comments signal Washington’s intent to remain deeply involved in diplomatic efforts surrounding Ukraine, even as Rubio made clear that responsibility for ending the war ultimately rests with the parties fighting it.