I find Rubio’s decision to include all parties in the room clearly necessary for any potential settlement. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed uncertainty about whether a negotiated peace deal between Ukraine and Russia is possible during a G20 foreign ministers meeting in Atlanta on Oct. 31. "I don’t know if negotiated peace is achievable in Ukraine, that’s what we’re trying to find out," Rubio told reporters. He added that he does not think anyone at the meeting is claiming the parties are "on the verge of a negotiated settlement." These remarks arrive as Kyiv worries the U.S. softened its stance on Russia before trilateral peace talks in Abu Dhabi, which officials expect to hold in early November although they have not set a formal date. Rubio defended the presence of Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov at the meeting, even though European ministers refused to pose for a traditional family photo with him on Oct. 30. He questioned how a settlement could happen without the ability to talk to both sides. While Rubio spoke in Atlanta, Ukraine remained unrepresented at the G20 meeting because it is not a member and received no invitation. This change in tone from Rubio follows over a year and a half of efforts from U.S. President Donald Trump to negotiate a peace settlement, which saw Russia repeatedly refuse a ceasefire and frustrate Trump through a lack of movement.
Zelensky discusses Black Sea security
Zelensky’s meeting with Erdogan in Istanbul clearly provided a way to discuss conditions in the Black Sea. While the meeting produced few concrete outcomes, Zelensky said Turkey supports Ukraine’s sovereignty, its territorial integrity, and steps to ensure safe navigation and restore normal living in the region. This discussion follows intensified attacks by both Russia and Ukraine in the Black Sea over recent months, which prompted Ankara to call for a moratorium on strikes against vessels in August after several incidents involving Turkish-flagged ships. Disagreements over territory and security guarantees remain unresolved. Ukrainian officials do not expect the first round of these Abu Dhabi talks to produce a major breakthrough, though Kyiv hopes the meeting will restart regular negotiations and deliver limited results. Zelensky expressed gratitude to Erdogan for the "clear and meaningful cooperation" and for Turkey’s readiness to support ideas for bringing real peace and security closer.
