Washington, D.C. — August 17, 2025
Top officials from the Trump administration appeared across major Sunday news programs to defend President Donald J. Trump’s diplomatic push following his high-profile meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Anchorage. The summit, while not yielding a ceasefire, has sparked renewed momentum toward a negotiated peace in Ukraine.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio led the media blitz, emphasizing that the U.S. is not imposing terms but facilitating dialogue. “This is not our war,” Rubio said on Meet the Press. “We’re the only country with a leader who can bring Putin to the table.”
Rubio acknowledged that both sides must make concessions, and stressed that the U.S. is working behind the scenes to identify terms that could be mutually acceptable. “If it were easy, this war wouldn’t have lasted three and a half years,” he noted.
Highlights from Sunday Shows:
- Meet the Press: Rubio called for a “full peace deal,” not just a ceasefire.
- This Week: He defended the need for private negotiations, warning against public posturing.
- Sunday Morning Futures: Rubio confirmed no deal was expected from the Putin summit, as Ukraine was not present.
President Trump is set to host Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders in Washington tomorrow, aiming to align regional priorities and explore a viable path forward.