Secretary of State Marco Rubio and German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul held discussions to address the war in Ukraine, highlighting diverging approaches within the transatlantic alliance. While the US seeks a swift resolution potentially involving concessions from Kyiv, Germany, along with other European nations, emphasizes the importance of Ukrainian sovereignty and rejects any “dictated peace.” These differing views are evident as Rubio skips a NATO meeting in Brussels, sending Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau in his place, adding further uncertainty to the situation. Ultimately, the future of military and financial aid for Kyiv hinges on whether the US and Europe can reconcile their differing views on achieving a lasting peace.
Read More
Secretary of State Marco Rubio claims he is unaware of any European counter-proposals regarding the war between Ukraine and Russia, despite meeting with European national security advisors. This response came after journalists inquired about a revised peace agreement, reportedly published in European media, as an alternative to the American plan. The E3 countries’ document, proposed by the leaders of Great Britain, France, and Germany, is based on the American plan but includes significant revisions. Rubio further stated that he believes Trump is satisfied with the negotiations.
Read More
Lawmakers Mike Rounds and Angus King reported that Secretary of State Marco Rubio informed them that the leaked 28-point peace plan for Ukraine was essentially a “wish list” originating from the Kremlin, not the U.S. government. The plan, which critics see as a demand for Ukrainian capitulation, includes provisions such as halving Ukraine’s military and recognizing Russian control of occupied territories. Despite denials from Rubio and the State Department, the administration has faced scrutiny for the plan, with even Special Envoy Steve Witkoff raising suspicion regarding its origins. Trump has since stated the proposals aren’t final, and is allowing Ukraine to respond by Thursday.
Read More
In Halifax, Nova Scotia, several lawmakers expressed concerns about a Trump-backed peace plan for the Russia-Ukraine war, claiming Secretary of State Marco Rubio told them the plan was essentially a Russian “wish list.” The State Department refuted this account as false, while Rubio himself disputed the senators’ version of events. The controversial 28-point proposal, which reportedly concedes to numerous Russian demands, was considered a starting point for further negotiations by the Trump administration. The senators believe the plan rewards aggression and have concerns over its implementation.
Read More
The US has asserted its authorship of a 28-point plan for ending the Ukraine war, despite accusations that the proposal favors Russia. Senator Marco Rubio confirmed that the plan originated in the US, but with input from both Russia and Ukraine, after some lawmakers said they were told it didn’t represent the US position. Details of the plan, which have been leaked, include Ukraine withdrawing troops and limiting its armed forces, drawing criticism from some of Ukraine’s European allies. Former President Trump has also weighed in, stating that this plan doesn’t reflect a final offer.
Read More
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated that the US has largely exhausted its options for imposing new sanctions on Russia, having already targeted major oil companies. The focus will now shift to enforcing existing sanctions, particularly addressing Russia’s “shadow fleet” of vessels used to circumvent oil restrictions, with a call for greater European involvement in this effort. Rubio also commented on the ongoing conflict, stating Russia’s objectives and the missile strikes on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. Finally, the US is in talks with Ukraine to stabilize its energy grid, discussing the provision of equipment and defensive weapons, while acknowledging the challenges of protecting such infrastructure from destruction.
Read More
According to two U.S. officials, the Trump administration has yet to provide lawmakers with concrete evidence proving that vessels targeted in fatal military strikes were carrying narcotics, despite claiming they were drug-smuggling boats. The administration has released unclassified videos of the strikes but has not provided further evidence. This has led to mounting bipartisan frustration and questions regarding the legal justifications for the strikes. A small group of administration officials, including Marco Rubio, are reportedly driving the push to carry out strikes against drug cartels, bypassing traditional interagency processes.
Read More
During a White House meeting, Secretary of State Marco Rubio handed President Trump a note instructing him to approve a Truth Social post regarding a Middle East deal. The note, visible to the press, indicated that the announcement needed to be made soon. Shortly after, Trump announced the deal and its details on Truth Social. This event, which occurred amid ongoing negotiations, came weeks after Trump accidentally posted a private message on the platform.
Read More
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries is demanding a criminal investigation into the National Archives after the agency accidentally released an unredacted copy of Rep. Mikie Sherrill’s military record, who is currently running for governor. The National Archives, now under the purview of Secretary of State Marco Rubio, has apologized for the error, attributing it to a technician’s mistake when responding to a Freedom of Information Act request. The agency has stated it will provide Sherrill with free credit-monitoring services and review its procedures to prevent future breaches, acknowledging the rarity of such incidents and the importance of safeguarding sensitive information.
Read More
Israel intensifies Gaza City bombing as Rubio arrives, and the first thing that strikes you is the sheer audacity of it all. It feels like a calculated message, a multi-pronged declaration to the world, and specifically to certain people in the US. It’s as if they’re saying, “The US is with us,” to the international community, while simultaneously whispering to, well, let’s call him “the former guy,” “You can’t control our actions.”
What’s left to bomb, honestly? It’s a question that keeps popping up. Gaza City looks like it’s been through a meat grinder. They’re turning rubble into smaller rubble. And the feeling is, it’s only going to get worse as public opinion shifts.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood