Rubio Says Russia-Ukraine Talks Just Had ‘Most Productive Day’ Yet as Trump Deadline Looms

Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Sunday declared a breakthrough in the ongoing U.S.-brokered peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, calling the latest round of talks the “most productive day” so far in the high-stakes process.

Rubio spoke to reporters following intense weekend negotiations based on a 28-point framework crafted by President Donald Trump’s foreign policy team. The framework, which has drawn both cautious optimism and sharp criticism, seeks to secure a ceasefire, define long-term security guarantees for Ukraine, and reintroduce Russia into certain elements of the global economy under strict conditions.

Rubio: “Issues Remaining Are Not Insurmountable”

“There are a couple issues that we need to continue to work on,” Rubio acknowledged. “But I think the report today is that today was worthwhile. It was probably the most productive day we have had on this issue, maybe in the entirety of our engagement, but certainly in a very long time.”

Rubio added that President Trump is closely tracking the talks and “quite pleased … about the amount of progress that’s been made.”

The Biden-era State Department had largely deferred to NATO-led initiatives, but under Trump’s leadership, the U.S. has taken a central role as a direct mediator. While some NATO officials have grumbled about being sidelined, both Kyiv and Moscow have continued to engage with Washington’s efforts.

Trump Voices Frustration, Zelensky Responds

Despite Rubio’s optimism, President Trump took to Truth Social on Sunday morning to vent about what he called a lack of appreciation from Ukrainian leadership.

“UKRAINE ‘LEADERSHIP’ HAS EXPRESSED ZERO GRATITUDE FOR OUR EFFORTS, AND EUROPE CONTINUES TO BUY OIL FROM RUSSIA,” Trump posted.

Later in the day, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky issued a public statement, praising Trump and the U.S. for support while stopping short of endorsing the final terms of the emerging agreement.

“Ukraine is grateful to the United States, to every American heart, and personally to President Trump for the assistance that – starting with the Javelins – has been saving Ukrainian lives,” Zelensky said. He emphasized that any peace must be “dignified” and “truly end the war.”

Thanksgiving Deadline Approaching

President Trump has reportedly set a Thanksgiving deadline for negotiators to finalize the deal, seeking to wrap the agreement before the year’s end and present it as a signature diplomatic win heading into the 2026 election season.

Rubio confirmed the administration’s urgency but emphasized the need to get every element right.

“We just need more time than what we have today,” Rubio said. “The goal is to reach a deal as soon as possible — but a real deal, one that actually ends the war and prevents another.”

White House Confirms “Meaningful Progress”

On Sunday evening, the White House released a joint statement reaffirming Rubio’s assessment of progress.

“Both sides agreed the consultations were highly productive. The discussions showed meaningful progress toward aligning positions and identifying clear next steps,” the statement read.

It continued, “Final decisions under this framework will be made by the Presidents of Ukraine and the United States. Both sides reiterated their readiness to continue working together to secure a peace that ensures Ukraine’s security, stability, and reconstruction.”

The statement made clear that any deal will require full buy-in from Ukraine’s leadership, and that sovereignty and security guarantees remain non-negotiable pillars of the final agreement.

Looking Ahead

With only days left before Trump’s self-imposed Thanksgiving deadline, negotiators are scrambling to resolve remaining issues — believed to involve contested territories, economic reintegration clauses, and future arms agreements. U.S. officials remain hopeful, though wary of last-minute breakdowns.

For now, Sunday’s diplomatic progress marks the closest the world has come in years to ending the bloody conflict in Eastern Europe. Whether it holds depends on what happens in the coming days — and how much pressure Trump is willing to apply to both sides.