US Efforts to Mediate Russia-Ukraine Peace Stagnate, Rubio Says

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated on Friday, May 8, that negotiations to end Russia’s war in Ukraine have “stagnated” and reached a “deadlock.” While the US has attempted to play a mediator role, Rubio noted these efforts have not yet been fruitful. Despite the current lack of progress, he emphasized that Washington remains ready to facilitate a diplomatic resolution should an opportunity arise to bring both sides closer to a peace deal. Make us preferred on Google Flip Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio speaks to the press at the US Embassy in Rome on May 8, 2026. (Photo by Stefano RELLANDINI / POOL / AFP) Content Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied Flip Make us preferred on Google US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that diplomatic efforts to end Russia’s war in Ukraine have failed to yield results, noting that negotiations have currently reached a “deadlock.”   Speaking to reporters on Friday, May 8, Rubio explained that while the US has attempted to facilitate a peace process, these efforts have not led to a “fruitful outcome for a variety of reasons.”  Follow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official . “We remain prepared to play that role if it can be productive. We don’t want to waste our time and invest time and energy into an effort that’s not moving forward,” Rubio said. The secretary of state emphasized that the US is still willing to act as a mediator if it can bring both sides closer to a settlement, describing the ongoing war as a “tragedy” for which both sides are paying a “heavy price” in human and economic terms. “And while we’re prepared to play whatever role we can to bring it to a peaceful diplomatic resolution, unfortunately, right now those efforts have stagnated, but we always stand ready if those circumstances change,” he added. Rubio’s comments come amid a newly announced three-day temporary ceasefire covering May 9-11, which was brokered by Washington. US President Donald Trump expressed hope that the brief truce – timed to coincide with Victory Day events – could “possibly” last longer . Other Topics of Interest Unprecedented Wartime Decree: Kyiv Permits Moscow’s Victory Day Parade Zelensky’s Red Square decree shows how the war’s symbolism has shifted: Moscow’s most sacred military spectacle now depends not on Kremlin strength, but on Ukrainian restraint and US mediation. “I would like to see it stop. Russia and Ukraine – this is the worst thing that has happened since World War II in terms of human losses,” Trump told reporters. As part of the deal, Russia and Ukraine agreed to a mutual exchange of 1,000 prisoners of war each . President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed the arrangement and noted that Ukraine would not disrupt the Victory Day parade in Moscow during the ceasefire . Despite the brief pause in fighting, the broader diplomatic landscape remains frozen. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that Russian President Vladimir Putin is “ready for talks with everyone” but will not be the first to restart diplomatic contacts with European capitals. Peskov argued that Brussels was responsible for reducing ties “to zero” following Moscow’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. European Council President António Costa noted that the European Union sees “potential” for future negotiations with Putin and is consulting with the 27 EU member states on how to organize for potential talks. However, Costa acknowledged that “nobody has seen any sign from Russia that they want effectively to engage in serious negotiations.” While the EU seeks to contribute to the peace process, Costa emphasized that the bloc would avoid interfering with the ongoing efforts led by US President Donald Trump . Russia continues to demand that Ukraine recognize Moscow’s control over occupied territories, a condition Kyiv has repeatedly rejected. Kyiv Post is Ukraine’s first and oldest English news organization since 1995. Its international market reach of 97% outside of Ukraine makes it truly Ukraine’s Global – and most reliable – Voice.