Rubio Warns Ukraine Conflict Risk Escalates

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has warned that the ongoing war in Ukraine could escalate into a broader regional conflict if the current stalemate persists. Speaking in Lisbon during a NATO tour, Rubio emphasized that Washington believes a negotiated settlement is essential to end the war. His remarks followed a deadly Russian strike on two buses in Kramatorsk, killing at least 33 people. Rubio described the conflict as a 'very dangerous war' that has reached a stalemate, which could end through negotiations or escalation. He stressed that any escalation could involve Russian sabotage or strikes in neighboring NATO countries, potentially expanding the conflict beyond Ukraine. 'In the end, we do not believe that there will be military solutions...We think this war needs to end, and the negotiated settlement is sooner and better,' he said. Portugal's foreign minister echoed Rubio's call for diplomacy, stating that Russia's invasion violates international law and any settlement must respect Ukraine's sovereignty.