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Ukraine war latest: Rubio says security guarantees for Ukraine must also be acceptable to Russia
Marco Rubio said any post-war security guarantees for Ukraine must reassure Kyiv while also being acceptable to Russia, describing them as essential to a negotiated settlement. His comments came ahead of US-mediated peace talks in Abu Dhabi on 10–11 November, but he said no final plan had been agreed and did not confirm whether a treaty was being considered.
Ukraine’s military intelligence says Russia is preparing strikes on food-industry sites, including grain stores, oil producers and food-processing businesses, to damage food security and export earnings. Separately, a Ukrainian commander said Russian forces were striking bridges and dams in Zaporizhzhia Oblast, where roughly 75% of the territory is occupied, in a bid to constrain Ukrainian logistics and potentially open routes towards Dnipro.
In short
- Rubio says Ukraine’s security guarantees must also be acceptable to Russia.
- Abu Dhabi peace talks were scheduled for 10–11 November.
- Ukraine warns of planned strikes on food facilities and pressure in Zaporizhzhia.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Security guarantees that Ukraine can accept but Russia would reject may be difficult to implement and could undermine a negotiated settlement. Taking Russia’s security concerns into account could make an agreement more durable, reduce incentives for renewed fighting and help end the war sooner.
The case against
Making guarantees acceptable to Russia could give Moscow influence over Ukraine’s future security choices and weaken assurances meant to deter another attack. Ukraine and its supporters may argue that a settlement is durable only if Kyiv can choose strong protections without granting Russia an effective veto.
Explained simply
Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, expanding a conflict that began in 2014. Ukraine has since fought to defend its territory, while Russia occupies parts of the country, including much of Zaporizhzhia Oblast.
A security guarantee is a promise of help if a country is attacked. Ukraine has sought assurances that could deter another Russian invasion after any ceasefire or peace deal; the form and strength of those assurances would affect what each side is expected to accept.
The war also affects food supplies and trade because Ukraine is a major producer and exporter of grain and other agricultural goods. Damage to food facilities, bridges or dams could disrupt production and transport, as well as affect military movements.