US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has projected that Ukraine's GDP could exceed Russia's within a decade if the war ends and the country makes the right decisions, Fox News reports.
"Theoretically, doing the right things, in 10 years Ukraine's GDP could be larger than Russia's," Rubio said in the interview.
According to the Secretary of State, the American peace agreement aims to provide Ukraine with future security guarantees while enabling economic recovery and prosperity. These are things like ending the war, ensuring that the country is never invaded and attacked again, protecting the long-term sovereignty and independence of Ukraine, Rubio explained.
The diplomat emphasized that Washington's objective extends beyond simply ending the conflict. "We are trying to understand whether it is possible to end the war in such a way that Ukraine's future is protected. This is what it's about: stop the war, guarantee that Ukraine will never be attacked again, protect the long-term sovereignty and independence of Ukraine so that it does not become a puppet state. It is truly independent and sovereign. And allow its economy not only to recover, but to thrive. And turn it into a prosperity story," Rubio said.
The US is working to broker an end to Russia's war against Ukraine, though the final decision rests with Kyiv and Moscow, according to Rubio. "We are involved because we are the only ones who can do this. European countries cannot. China cannot either. The only world leader capable of talking to both sides and making a deal possible is President Trump," the Secretary of State said.
Rubio said that current circumstances present an ideal time for both sides to end the war. "If there is a way to overcome the differences between the two sides, then we are the only ones in the world who can do this, and that's exactly what we're trying to do. Ultimately, the decision remains with them. If they decide they don't want to end the war, then the war will continue. But we will try to put an end to it," he stated.
The diplomat described the conflict's current state as a war of attrition. "Unfortunately, the Russians have demonstrated a willingness to sacrifice 7,000 soldiers per week to achieve their goal. Putin said a few weeks ago that this could take a long time: 'We will achieve our goals. It may cost more and take longer than we wanted, but we will do it.' And I actually think that's their mentality," Rubio said.
According to the Secretary of State, the main contested issue in negotiations is the 20% of Donetsk region controlled by Ukraine. "Right now they are literally fighting over territory of 30 to 50 kilometers. And the 20% of Donetsk region that remains," Rubio noted.
On US support for Ukraine, Rubio stated that the current administration does not consider unlimited funding realistic. "Some people believe that our policy should be to continue funding Ukraine with unlimited amounts while the war continues. This is unrealistic and will not happen, and we have been saying this for a long time. It is impossible to maintain such a scale and volume, and I also believe that it is realistic for Russia to continue this war for four to five years," he said.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy previously announced that the updated version of the peace plan Ukraine is discussing with the United States now contains 20 points instead of 28 in the original version.
Russian ruler's aide Yuri Ushakov, following talks with representatives of Donald Trump's team, stated that no compromise version of the plan to end the war in Ukraine has been found yet.
