Europe Will Be Involved in Ukraine Peace Talks, Says US Secretary of State Marco Rubio

The European Union will play a role in future peace negotiations on Ukraine, as the US has made clear that any deal must involve Europe due to Russia’s desire for sanctions relief, Bloomberg reports, citing sources familiar with the discussions on March 18.

According to the report, US officials have privately reassured European leaders that the bloc’s participation is essential, as the sanctions imposed by the EU are a key leverage point in negotiations with Russia. Washington has reportedly emphasized that ending hostilities is the immediate priority, with Ukraine’s long-term security arrangements to be discussed afterward.

The move appears to address concerns among US allies that the Biden administration—or potentially a second Trump administration—could negotiate an agreement that sidelines Europe and weakens Ukraine’s position.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio hinted at Europe’s critical role in the negotiations during remarks at the G7 summit in Charlevoix, Quebec.

“The European Union has imposed significant sanctions on the Russian Federation and individuals inside Russia,” Rubio said.

“So they will have to be consulted, and they’ll have to be engaged in this process and so forth. So let’s not predetermine or start putting everything ahead of itself here.”

These talks intensified after President Donald Trump held a phone call with Russian leader Vladimir Putin earlier this week.

During the conversation, Putin agreed to a 30-day suspension of strikes on energy infrastructure.

Following the call, Trump posted on Truth Social, saying, “That process is now in full force and effect, and we will, hopefully, for the sake of Humanity, get the job done!”

Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the EU, the US, and other allies have imposed a sweeping sanctions regime targeting Russian individuals, businesses, and state entities. The sanctions have significantly constrained Russia’s economy and have been a major point of leverage in diplomatic discussions.

US officials have reiterated that sanctions will not be lifted until a formal agreement is reached and that Washington is prepared to increase economic pressure on the Kremlin if Moscow fails to cooperate.

Earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukraine is ready to support proposals to halt strikes on energy infrastructure, though he still lacks full details of the ceasefire plan discussed between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin.