MUNICH, Germany — U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at the Munich Security Conference, signaling continued American commitment to Ukraine despite acknowledging the likely need for difficult concessions to complete the ongoing conflict with Russia. The meeting took place ahead of planned trilateral talks involving Russia, and comes as international efforts to find a resolution intensify.
Rubio reassured Zelenskyy of U.S. Support, but cautioned that a resolution to the war will likely not result in a “traditional loss” for either side. Instead, he suggested Moscow’s ambitions have narrowed to consolidating control over roughly 20 percent of the Donetsk region currently not under its control – a goal that would require concessions from Kyiv, both strategically and politically, according to reporting from Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty.
“Finding a formula acceptable to Ukraine and tolerable to Russia remains the primary challenge,” Rubio stated. He also cautioned that a successful outcome is not guaranteed. The development underscores the complex diplomatic path ahead as the war continues to grind on.
President Donald Trump also expressed a desire for a swift resolution to the conflict. Fox News reported that Rubio stated Trump “wants a solution that ends the bloodshed once and for all.”
Zelenskyy also held discussions with Trump envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner prior to the anticipated trilateral negotiations in Geneva, scheduled for February 17-18. He expressed hope that these talks would be “truly productive.” Zelenskyy also referenced discussions following talks held in Abu Dhabi last month, noting that Ukraine’s negotiating team would present its position next week.
The U.S. Has reportedly set a June deadline for Moscow and Kyiv to reach a peace agreement, as reported by Fox News. Discussions between Rubio and Zelenskyy also focused on securing additional air defense support for Ukraine during the winter months, according to the Kyiv Independent.
Ukraine believes a meeting at the leadership level – involving the heads of state from Ukraine, the U.S., and Russia – will ultimately be necessary to resolve the most challenging issues, the Presidential Office stated. The announcement could influence future diplomatic talks and the trajectory of the conflict.
