Rubio Hints at Trump-Putin Summit as Ascendancy as Vatican Offers to Host Ukraine Talks

Secretary of State Marco Rubio dropped hints about a potential blockbuster meeting between President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, as ceasefire talks in the Russia-Ukraine conflict hit a wall. Speaking on CBS’ Face the Nation, Rubio revealed that the Vatican has thrown its hat in the ring, offering to host a summit that could include Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelenskyy and other key players. The Pope’s neutral turf might just be the stage for a diplomatic breakthrough—or at least a dramatic photo-op.

Trump, fresh off a trip to Abu Dhabi, made it clear on Air Force One that he’s itching to sit down with Putin face-to-face, insisting no real progress will happen otherwise. He’s already lined up phone calls with Putin, Zelenskyy, and NATO leaders, signaling a full-court press to break the stalemate. Meanwhile, Rubio, who was in Rome for Pope Leo XIV’s inaugural mass, confirmed a Saturday call with Russia’s Sergey Lavrov. The chat wasn’t just small talk—Lavrov shared that Moscow is drafting a ceasefire proposal, while Ukraine is working on its own.

Despite Putin ghosting a planned meeting with Zelenskyy in Turkey last week, there’s a sliver of good news: both sides agreed to swap 1,000 prisoners each, a humanitarian win amid the diplomatic gridlock. Rubio, ever the optimist, said the U.S. is keeping a sharp eye on Russia’s intentions, wary of being strung along in endless talks. “We don’t have time to waste,” he stressed, noting that Trump’s proposed sit-down with Putin could be the key to unlocking progress.

Rubio and Vice President JD Vance also met Zelenskyy in Rome, followed by talks with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and EU chief Ursula von der Leyen. The agenda? Trade, NATO spending, and, of course, the war. Vance’s team later said the leaders are laser-focused on ending the bloodshed. But with no date or venue set for the Trump-Putin powwow, the world’s holding its breath for what comes next.