US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.Image: keystone
May 22, 2026, 9:18 p.mMay 22, 2026, 9:18 p.m
The USA will no longer mediate between Russia and Ukraine for the time being. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced this at the meeting of NATO foreign ministers in Helsingborg, Sweden.
So far, the USA has been the only one with whom both Moscow and Kiev wanted to talk. However, the mediation efforts had “no results,” said Rubio. At the same time, he emphasized that Washington remains ready to take on this role again if necessary.
German security expert Nico Lange expressed sharp criticism of the previous discussions. On X he spoke of a “negotiation theater”. Essentially, the USA repeatedly brought Russian demands to Ukraine, such as the cession of territory in Donbass.
Europe should not make the same mistake and simply pass on Russian positions, warned Lange. (mke)