U.S. Leaders Debate Ukraine Peace Efforts on ABC’s 'This Week'

On Sunday’s edition of This Week with Martha Raddatz, a high-profile panel of U.S. officials engaged in a robust discussion about the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the recent diplomatic efforts to broker peace. The episode featured Secretary of State Marco Rubio, former National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan, and Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), offering diverse perspectives on the situation.

Rubio Emphasizes Need for Concessions

Secretary of State Marco Rubio underscored the necessity for both Russia and Ukraine to make concessions to achieve a lasting peace agreement. He stated, “You can’t have a peace agreement unless both sides make concessions. If not, it’s just called surrender, and neither side is going to surrender.” Rubio highlighted the importance of direct involvement from Ukraine in the negotiations and cautioned against any peace deal that might undermine Ukrainian sovereignty.

Sullivan Critiques Summit with Putin

Jake Sullivan, who served as National Security Adviser under President Biden, expressed skepticism about the recent summit between President Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska. Sullivan criticized the meeting for lacking concrete outcomes and for providing Putin with international legitimacy without securing meaningful commitments. He emphasized the need for a more strategic approach to dealing with Russia and ensuring accountability for its actions.

Van Hollen Warns Against Undue Concessions

Senator Chris Van Hollen echoed concerns about the potential implications of the summit. He warned that any peace agreement that involves significant concessions to Russia could embolden further aggression and undermine international norms. Van Hollen called for a cautious approach, ensuring that any negotiations prioritize the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine.

Diplomatic Landscape and Future Prospects

The panelists also discussed the broader diplomatic landscape, including the upcoming meeting between President Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Rubio indicated that the U.S. is prepared to offer Ukraine security guarantees akin to NATO’s Article 5, though outside the NATO framework. This development suggests a potential shift in U.S. policy to provide Ukraine with stronger assurances of support.

However, the path to peace remains fraught with challenges. The differing perspectives within the U.S. administration and Congress reflect the complexities of balancing diplomatic engagement with the need to uphold international law and support Ukraine's sovereignty.

For more detailed insights from the discussion, you can read the full transcript here: This Week Transcript – August 17, 2025.