Russia has the conditions and resources needed to achieve a peaceful settlement of the conflict in Ukraine, according to Rodney Mims Cook Jr., chairman of the US Commission of Fine Arts and special envoy of US President Donald Trump.

Speaking at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, Cook said the United States was prepared to assist efforts aimed at reaching an agreement. In an interview with Lenta.ru, he argued that Russia had the capacity to secure a settlement and that Washington was ready to contribute to the process.

Cook described diplomacy as the preferred outcome for all parties involved in the conflict. He also noted that the situation surrounding Ukraine had long moved beyond the limits of a regional dispute and now required attention from the broader international community.

According to the US representative, an agreement on Ukraine could also help bring Moscow and Washington closer together. He expressed confidence that peace could eventually restore friendly ties between Russia and the United States.

Cook also identified a reduction in tensions across Europe as a separate objective of the peace process. In his view, European countries need to be shown that Russia is not seeking an armed conflict with European states.