Trump team's U-turn in just hours: Rubio backtracks as Putin dangles talks carrot, Ukraine squeezed

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington is not forcing Ukraine into any agreement to end the war with Russia, dismissing claims that Kyiv is being pressured to compromise. Speaking on December 19, Rubio called such assertions a silly narrative, even as reports suggest Trump envoys are exploring proposals involving security guarantees and territorial concessions. The comments come ahead of planned talks in Miami involving U.S., Ukrainian, Russian and European officials. While President Donald Trump has urged faster progress toward peace, Russia has ruled out concessions and blamed Ukraine for blocking a deal. Meanwhile, Kyiv is seeking long term funding as the war continues.