Marco Rubio and Kaia Callas exchanged harsh statements regarding the role of the US and Europe in the war in Ukraine
During a meeting of foreign ministers of the Group of Seven countries, a tense discussion took place between US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and EU High Representative Kaia Kallas. The subject of the dispute was the pace and methods of ending Russia’s war against Ukraine.
According to eyewitnesses, the European diplomat expressed dissatisfaction with the fact that the United States is not increasing pressure on Moscow despite the lack of real steps towards peace from the Kremlin.
Kaia Kallas reminded her American colleague of her promises from a year ago to take decisive measures in the event of Russia sabotaging peace efforts. She emphasized that the situation had not changed during this time, and asked a direct question about the limits of Washington’s patience. Such rhetoric irritated the US Secretary of State, who emphasized his country’s exceptional role in providing assistance and mediation.
“We are doing everything we can to end the war. If you think you can do it better, please do. We will step aside,” Marco Rubio replied.
The Secretary of State emphasized that the US is currently the only party negotiating with both parties to the conflict, while at the same time providing Ukraine with intelligence and modern weapons. After a heated exchange of remarks, ministers from other European countries intervened, urging Washington not to abandon the diplomatic path to resolving the crisis.
“These meetings are often dedicated to expressing gratitude to America for our role and recognizing the mediation mission that we tried to play in this war. Nobody shouts or says anything negative there,” he later noted in a conversation with the press.
Despite official denials of tension, sources indicate that after the meeting Rubio and Callas had a brief private conversation to resolve their differences. The situation is complicated by the recent decision of the US Treasury Department to temporarily ease sanctions on Russian oil loaded onto ships until mid-March. The American side explains this step as an attempt to stabilize world energy prices, which have risen sharply due to the conflict in the Middle East.
At the same time, Washington claims that the short-term lifting of restrictions on petroleum products has actually reduced Moscow’s revenues, not increased them. However, European partners remain concerned that such steps may be perceived by the Russian leadership as a sign of weakness in the Western coalition.
