WASHINGTON, Friday, May 8, 2026 (WNP): U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has described the Russia-Ukraine war as a “tragedy,” saying both sides were paying a heavy human and economic price, while reaffirming Washington’s readiness to support diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the conflict.

Speaking on the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, Rubio said the United States remained prepared to play any constructive role that could help bring both sides closer to a peace agreement.

“The Russia-Ukraine war is a tragedy. Both sides are paying a very heavy price for it,” Rubio said.

He noted that although the United States was willing to facilitate mediation efforts, progress toward a peaceful settlement had so far remained limited.

“We remain prepared to play that role if it can be productive. We don’t want to waste our time and invest time and energy in an effort that’s not moving forward, but if we see an opportunity to act as a mediator that brings both sides closer to a peace deal, we’d like to see it,” he said.

Rubio stated that the continuation of hostilities was causing widespread destruction and human suffering, stressing that every report of civilian casualties reinforced the urgent need to end the war through diplomatic means.

“Our position at the end of the day is that this war is a tragedy. Both sides are paying a very heavy price, both economic and obviously at a human level,” he said.

The secretary of state added that current diplomatic efforts had “stagnated,” but emphasized that Washington would remain ready to re-engage if circumstances changed and opportunities for meaningful negotiations emerged.

“It’s destructive, we’re against it, and any time you tell me about strikes and people are hurt, every time I hear about these things, it just reminds us of why this war needs to end,” Rubio added.