Rubio says "we have a long ways to go" before peace talks over ending Russia, Ukraine war

Washington — Secretary of State Marco Rubio said "we have a long ways to go" before commencing any potential peace talks with Russia aimed at ending the war in Ukraine, adding that "nothing has been finalized" regarding possible upcoming meetings between U.S. and Russian officials in Saudi Arabia.

"We stand ready to follow the president's lead on this and begin to explore ways, if those opportunities present itself, to begin a process toward peace," Rubio said on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on Sunday.

Mr. Trump said last week that he had a "lengthy and highly productive phone call" with Russian President Vladimir Putin, and announced that he was directing Rubio and other members of his national security team to "immediately" begin negotiations aimed at ending Russia's war with Ukraine. Mr. Trump also spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.