US proposes 3-step plan to resolve war in Ukraine: Marco Rubio

​​​​​​​By Yasin Gungor and Elena Teslova

ISTANBUL/MOSCOW (AA) - US Secretary of State Marco Rubio proposed a three-step plan Tuesday to resolve the war in Ukraine during a news conference in Saudi Arabia.

The plan includes high-level meetings involving Ukraine and European nations and concessions from all sides, Rubio said.

Rubio also emphasized that the Russians are willing to engage in a serious process, calling the meeting a first step in a "long and difficult journey."

He stressed the need for a fair, enduring, and sustainable solution acceptable to all parties involved.

The proposal follows recent US-Russia talks aimed at easing tensions and finding a path to peace.

The discussions follow US President Donald Trump’s phone telephone call last week with Russian President Vladimir Putin, marking a step toward mending relations and preparing for a potential US-Russia summit.

The discussions, hosted by Saudi Arabia to support diplomatic dialogue, mark the first meeting between the Russian and US diplomats since the Ukraine war began Feb. 24, 2022.

The Russian delegation is led by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and includes presidential aides Yury Ushakov and Kirill Dmitriev, and the head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio heads the American delegation, accompanied by National Security Adviser Mike Waltz and Steve Witkoff, special Mideast envoy.