(MENAFN- UkrinForm) He stated this in an interview with NBC Today , a transcript of which was released by the U.S. State Department on Tuesday, Ukrinform reports.

“We're the only country in the world that can really talk to both countries involved in this – we're the only ones that can talk to Ukraine and Russia, and everyone's encouraged us to play that role. At some point that role might end,” the Secretary of State said.

Rubio also dismissed suggestions that Washington may have misunderstood Putin's intentions in Alaska:“I think we've always known that his intentions are to take Donetsk, for example, and he's defined that openly.”

In this context, Secretary Rubio reminded that President Trump“has repeatedly expressed his deep disappointment” with the direction Putin is taking, even after Alaska. At some point,“he may have to decide to impose new sanctions.”

Rubio explained why President Trump is delaying sanctions against Russia:

“The minute we go heavy on the sanctions and everything else, our ability to act as a broker to bring about peace is diminished, and this war then goes on for another two years and hundreds of thousands of more people will die. So, we're trying to avoid that. We hope to avoid that.”

At the same time, Rubio stressed that Europe must also impose restrictions against Russia:

“Right now, there are countries in Europe that are still buying massive amounts of oil and natural gas from Russia, which is absurd.” He added that Europe should do more on this issue.

He repeated Trump's claim that this is not his war, as he“inherited it”. At the same time, Rubio underlined:

“But ultimately, that's not up to us. That's up to Putin... And the Ukrainians have to agree to a peace deal. What the President expressed is that it would be a priority of his. And it has been.”

Read also: Ukraine expects 19th EU sanctions package to deal severe blow to Russia – Zelensky

As reported, U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky are scheduled to meet on Tuesday on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York.

Photo: Official State Department

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