Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) gave his opinion on the potential outcome of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, stating that neither side will achieve victory as defined in idealistic terms.
When asked about the pressure the U.S. and other international leaders should put on Russia and Ukraine to find a solution, Rubio declined to set parameters on the matter, asserting that it's premature for the U.S. to do so.
Rubio stated that Russia's goal to take all or half of Ukraine, including Kyiv, will not happen, emphasizing that there's no way for that to occur.
However, Rubio acknowledged the reality that Ukraine is much smaller than Russia and has less capability.
He emphasized the reality of Ukraine's size and capability compared to Russia, acknowledging the challenges faced by Ukraine.
Russia’s war with Ukraine surpassed its two-year mark late last month, with neither side appearing open to conceding. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky last week said losing the war against Russia would amount to the same tragic end as death.
Rubio expressed the view that neither side will be able to achieve victory as defined in idealistic terms, and highlighted the importance of Ukraine having leverage in any potential negotiated settlement.
Rubio argued that Putin wants Ukraine to become a satellite state, similar to Belarus, and be forced to remain neutral.
The U.S. aid for Ukraine has been in limbo for nearly a year due to divisions among lawmakers regarding further funding for the nation. Rubio and most of the GOP conference, voted against a bipartisan border security deal that would have also unlocked aid for the country last month.
Rubio also Rubio voted against a $95 billion emergency defense spending bill, including about $60 billion in aid for Ukraine last month. The deal passed in the upper chamber and headed to the House, where Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) faces pressure to bring it to the floor. Johnson signaled he will not bring the legislation to the floor as it lacks the border security provisions demanded by House GOP members.
Rubio reiterated his belief that the U.S. should assist Ukraine, but only after further action is taken on the U.S. southern border.
