Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended President Donald Trump’s approach to Ukraine. He called Trump a "peacemaker" and pushed back against critics.
Rubio appeared on ABC News’ "This Week" and spoke with George Stephanopoulos. He said Trump is under fire simply because he is Trump.
"Shouldn't we at least try to see if there is a way to end this war in a way that's acceptable to both sides and is enduring and sustainable? How is that a bad thing?" Rubio asked.
"I really am puzzled why anyone thinks that trying to be a peacemaker is a bad thing," he continued. "It's only a bad thing when it's Donald Trump trying to do it. When it's President Trump. It's absurd to me."
Rubio dismissed claims that Trump is appeasing Russia. He said the administration is simply asking, "Are you guys willing to talk about peace?"
His comments came after a heated White House meeting. Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy clashed.
The meeting ended in a shouting match. Trump argued Ukraine "doesn’t have the cards" to keep fighting Russia alone. He insisted peace talks were the only solution.
Later, Trump slammed Zelenskyy for "disrespecting" the U.S. He said the Ukrainian leader wasn’t ready for peace.
"I have determined that President Zelenskyy is not ready for peace if America is involved, because he feels our involvement gives him a big advantage in negotiations," Trump wrote on Truth Social. "I don't want advantage, I want PEACE. He disrespected the United States of America in its cherished Oval Office. He can come back when he is ready for Peace."
Zelenskyy was in Washington for peace negotiations. He was also expected to sign a minerals agreement with the U.S. in exchange for American support.
Instead, Trump abruptly removed him from the White House. Their tense meeting ended with Zelenskyy sent packing.