US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, answering journalists' questions about President Donald Trump's campaign promises to end the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, stressed that a diplomatic settlement of this conflict requires time and difficult work. According to him, the negotiations will not be held in the public arena to avoid pressure and unwanted influence on the process.

"This is a complex, tragic conflict, <…> which has caused enormous damage to Ukraine, Russia and stability in Europe. The only way to solve these problems is to return to pragmatism and a serious approach to diplomacy. The United States must play its role in this process."" Rubio said.

He added that American support for Ukraine was an important step, but Washington now faces the challenge of finding ways to end the conflict. Rubio said the protracted fighting continues to threaten European security by undermining stability in the region.

The Secretary of State's statement reflects a new foreign policy line for the Trump administration, which seeks to revise the US approach to the conflict in Ukraine.