President Donald Trump is reluctant to publicly criticize or insult Russian dictator Vladimir Putin, believing that such actions hinder negotiations toward a potential end to the Russia-Ukraine war, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated in an interview with CNN.

Vance tried to praise diplomatic efforts led by the Trump administration to seek a peace deal with Russia, but Zelensky questioned him on the value of diplomacy when

As a senator, Marco Rubio prided himself on challenging tyrants. But as secretary of state, President Trump has tasked him with helping to potentially turn Russia from an enemy into an ally.