U. S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has accused Vladimir Zelensky of misrepresenting Washington’s stance on security guarantees, rejecting claims that such assurances depend on the withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from Donbass.

Speaking to reporters, Rubio dismissed those assertions as untrue and expressed regret that Zelensky had framed the issue in that way.

He clarified that the United States had communicated Russia’s position on Donbass to Kiev, stressing that this did not amount to endorsement. According to Rubio, Washington merely outlined Moscow’s demands, leaving the decision entirely to the Ukrainian side and emphasizing that it was not for the United States to dictate that choice.

Rubio also underscored that any U.S. security guarantees for Kiev would only come into effect after the conflict in Ukraine has ended. He indicated that this point had been clearly conveyed to Zelensky and should have been understood. Otherwise, he warned, the United States could risk becoming directly involved in the confrontation.

In addition, Rubio noted that no meetings on a potential settlement of the Ukrainian conflict are currently scheduled.