Rubio Rejects Claims of Ukraine's Exclusion from Russia Talks, Defends NATO Stance

Senator Marco Rubio is disputing allegations that the Trump administration is leaving Ukraine out of discussions regarding the ongoing conflict with Russia, dismissing such reports as "not accurate."

"I think what the president was irritated by, and rightfully so, was this argument that somehow we haven't talked to Ukraine," Rubio stated on "Fox & Friends" this Wednesday. He emphasized that President Trump contacted Ukrainian President Zelenskyy immediately following his recent conversation with Russian President Putin.

"I was there for both calls," Rubio confirmed. "He immediately called Zelenskyy right away."

These comments come amidst reports suggesting that Trump is excluding Ukrainian officials from high-level talks about a potential resolution to the war. Earlier this month, members of the Trump administration met with Russian officials in Saudi Arabia, a meeting notably without Ukrainian representation. Apparently, skipping Ukraine is the new black in international diplomacy.

Trump has recently downplayed Ukraine’s role in negotiations, telling Brian Kilmeade of Fox News, "He's been at the meetings for three years and nothing got done. So I don't think he's very important to be at meetings, to be honest with you."

Despite concerns, Rubio maintains the administration is serious about exploring a potential resolution with Russia.

"We told them [Russia] – do you guys want to end the war? Do you want to continue?" he said. "If you want to end the war, we can talk about what it would take to end it from their perspective. If you want to continue on the war, just tell us now."

According to Rubio, Russian officials agreed to a follow-up meeting where diplomatic teams from both sides will discuss possible terms for ending the war.

The discussions about Ukraine occur as Trump’s broader stance on U.S. involvement in European security faces criticism from allies. Germany’s incoming chancellor, Friedrich Merz, recently voiced concerns about America’s commitment to NATO, following Trump’s suggestion that European nations should take greater responsibility for their own defense. Merz even suggested Europe should consider an independent defense force, signaling a potential shift in trust away from NATO. Talk about a 'we need to talk' moment for the transatlantic alliance!

Rubio dismissed such concerns, arguing that NATO is not under threat, but that European allies must step up.

"The only thing that puts NATO in jeopardy is the fact that we have NATO allies who barely have militaries, or whose militaries are not very capable because they've spent 40 years not spending any money on it," Rubio said.

Trump has long called for NATO members to increase their financial contributions to the alliance. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte recently announced that European nations have agreed to raise their defense spending, saying they need to do "much, much more."

"We're not saying do your own thing. We're saying do more. It's their continent, right?" Rubio said. "Why is it unreasonable for the United States to ask rich European countries to invest more money in their own national security?"