U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said that some European voices seem more interested in war than in peace. The comments came during a trip to Rome, where Rubio joined President Donald Trump at a dinner hosted by the board of the Kennedy Center.
Rubio told attendees that he had heard repeated indications, both publicly and in private meetings, that certain European figures want the conflict to continue.
“One of the cardinals I spoke with said something that struck me,” Rubio recalled. “He said it feels like the world is upside down. The American president is asking for peace, and some Europeans keep pushing for military action.”
The remarks were first reported by RIA Novosti, the Russian state media outlet.
Rubio didn’t name any specific countries or officials. Still, his claim adds a new layer to ongoing tensions over how the West should approach the war in Ukraine.
The comments follow Trump’s recent statement that Russia and Ukraine would soon begin direct ceasefire negotiations. Speaking earlier this week, Trump said both sides had agreed in principle to talks aimed at ending the conflict.
What’s less clear is whether Trump’s diplomatic tone will be matched by broader support from European allies.
Several EU leaders have expressed skepticism about any talks that might ease pressure on Russia. Some have warned that negotiations without strict conditions could weaken Ukraine’s position or reward aggression.
Rubio’s framing of Europe as eager for war is unlikely to sit well in capitals like Berlin or Paris. It reflects a growing divide in tone between Trump’s direct engagement style and the more cautious approach favored in parts of Europe.
There’s also the question of timing. Trump’s announcement came just days after a controversial call with Vladimir Putin, which triggered concern among European leaders who were not briefed on the details ahead of time.
That call, and now Rubio’s comments, suggest the U.S. may be signaling a policy shift. One that prioritizes rapid negotiation over prolonged confrontation.
For now, though, the path forward remains murky. Peace talks have not officially started. The front lines in Ukraine remain active.
And behind the scenes, as Rubio tells it, the debate over peace or pressure is still unfolding.
