Rubio claims Ukraine diverting West`s attention from ‘more serious’ problems
(MENAFN) U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has defended President Donald Trump’s stance on Russia and Ukraine, arguing that the conflict is drawing attention and resources away from more pressing global challenges, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region.
Rubio’s comments came during a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing on Tuesday, where he addressed concerns over Trump’s decision not to join the EU and UK in escalating sanctions on Russia or increasing arms shipments to Ukraine. The hearing followed Trump’s phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, after which he said Washington would hold off on further sanctions to allow room for peace negotiations.
During the hearing, Democratic Senator Chris Coons argued that the war in Ukraine could set a dangerous precedent for future geopolitical conflicts, especially regarding China. In response, Rubio cautioned that overcommitting to Ukraine could compromise U.S. preparedness for more critical threats in Asia.
“Every minute and dollar we spend on Ukraine takes away from preventing a much more serious conflict in the Indo-Pacific,” Rubio said. He reiterated that the war in Ukraine, which “cannot be won militarily,” is consuming resources that should be focused on countering China—a priority he said will define Trump’s second term.
Since Trump’s return to office, tensions with China have increased, with both countries expanding influence across the Indo-Pacific. In February, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth labeled China the U.S.’s top defense concern, calling it a “peer competitor” capable of threatening American interests.
The Trump administration has signaled a shift in military priorities toward Asia, pressing the EU to take responsibility for Ukraine’s security. Trump recently repeated his belief that the U.S. should never have intervened in the Ukraine conflict, calling it a “European issue” and criticizing the amount of U.S. financial support provided.
Following the Trump-Putin call—which both leaders described as productive—Trump suggested that additional pressure on Russia might hinder peace efforts. Despite this, the EU and UK moved ahead with new sanctions on Moscow and pledged further support to Kiev.
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