Marco Rubio Rejects Media Claims Trump Is “Bullying” Ukraine on Peace Deal [WATCH]

Secretary of State Marco Rubio pushed back Sunday against claims that President Donald Trump is pressuring Ukraine into an unfavorable peace agreement with Russia, dismissing the suggestion during an interview on CBS’s Face the Nation.

The exchange came as host Margaret Brennan raised concerns that Trump’s upcoming White House summit with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and European leaders could involve Trump pressuring Ukraine into concessions.

Rubio firmly rejected that characterization.

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“This is such a stupid media narrative that [European leaders] are coming here tomorrow because Trump is going to bully Zelensky into a bad deal,” Rubio said.

“We’ve been working with these people for weeks… We invited them to come.”

The secretary emphasized that discussions with Ukraine and European partners have been underway for weeks, with the Monday summit intended to build on those talks.

According to Rubio, the invitation to Zelensky and European leaders was part of an ongoing process to develop a framework for peace in the conflict that has lasted more than three years.

.@SecRubio nukes Margaret Brennan: “This is such a stupid media narrative that [European leaders] are coming here tomorrow because Trump is going to bully Zelensky into a bad deal. We’ve been working with these people for weeks… WE invited them to come.” 🔥 pic.twitter.com/YoiyyA3xsp

— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) August 17, 2025

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Rubio’s comments follow President Trump’s recent statements on potential terms for ending the war.

On Sunday, Trump said Ukrainian leaders could end the conflict “almost immediately” if they agreed to forgo NATO membership and accept Russia’s annexation of Crimea.

Those remarks drew criticism from some political opponents, who argued the conditions were overly favorable to Moscow.

The White House has confirmed that Monday’s summit will include Zelensky and multiple European heads of government.

Trump has described the meeting as an unprecedented gathering of leaders to discuss possible steps toward ending the war.

“Big day at the White House tomorrow. Never had so many European Leaders at one time. My great honor to host them!!! President DJT,” Trump posted on Truth Social ahead of the summit.

Donald J. Trump Truth Social 08.17.25 09:21 PM EST

Big day at the White House tomorrow. Never had so many European Leaders at one time. My great honor to host them!!! President DJT

— Fan Donald J. Trump Posts From Truth Social (@TrumpDailyPosts) August 18, 2025

Brennan’s line of questioning suggested that Trump’s approach might result in pressure on Ukraine to accept terms that weaken its sovereignty.

Rubio dismissed that idea, repeating that European leaders willingly agreed to attend and are engaged in the process.

The secretary has consistently stated that a lasting peace deal will require involvement from all sides, including Russia.

Speaking on NBC’s Meet the Press earlier the same day, Rubio argued that only Trump has the ability to bring Russian President Vladimir Putin into serious negotiations.

“You’re not going to have a peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine without dealing with Putin. That’s just common sense, I shouldn’t have to say it,” Rubio said during that interview.

The upcoming summit is expected to address key points of contention, including disputed territories and security guarantees.

While both sides have signaled areas of possible agreement, significant differences remain.

Zelensky has said Ukraine is open to talks but will not surrender sovereignty over regions still under Ukrainian control.

Rubio said the negotiations have made progress, though he cautioned that disagreements persist.

“We identified potential areas of agreement, but there remain some big areas of disagreement,” he said.

The secretary also stressed the importance of confidentiality in negotiations.

When pressed by reporters on other networks about the details of ongoing discussions, Rubio stated that the administration would not disclose sensitive information until agreements were finalized.

The Monday summit at the White House marks a pivotal moment in the administration’s diplomatic efforts, bringing together Ukraine and several European nations to consider next steps.

Whether those discussions lead to a framework for ending the conflict remains to be seen, but U.S. officials have signaled that President Trump intends to continue pursuing negotiations directly with both Kyiv and Moscow.