US Senate Confirms Marco Rubio as Next US Secretary of State
On January 20, the U.S. Senate confirmed Marco Rubio as the next secretary of state by a rare bipartisan consensus. This makes him the first high-level member of President Donald Trump‘s new administration to be confirmed.
Rubio will oversee the implementation of Trump’s foreign policy, which is expected to focus on ending Russia’s war against Ukraine quickly. However, Trump has sent mixed signals about how to achieve this goal. Rubio recently said that both Russia and Ukraine would have to make concessions for a peace deal, suggesting that Moscow might be allowed to keep some occupied territories.
Rubio previously praised Ukrainian defenders but voted against the $61 billion aid package for Ukraine in early 2024. The delay severely impacted Ukraine’s fight against Russian forces.
Antony Blinken was replaced by Rubio as secretary of state. Blinken played a key role in U.S.-Ukraine relations under President Joe Biden, particularly during Russia’s full-scale invasion launched in 2022.
Trump officials say that US military aid to Ukraine will continue, focusing on empowering Kyiv to negotiate from a position of strength. Trump has said he thinks Ukraine should make a deal with Russia “to destroy” it by not making one.
The conflict continues, with Russian forces suffering over 1,600 casualties in just one day. World leaders are calling for peace and support for Ukraine.
Some notable quotes include:
* German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock urging Chancellor Olaf Scholz to avoid politicizing aid to Ukraine.
* Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan saying there’s an urgent need for a “just and lasting peace”.
* French President Emmanuel Macron stating it’s essential to provide Ukraine with the means to endure and negotiate from a position of strength.
Additionally:
* China has emerged as Russia’s largest supplier of goods, but Chinese imports have not fully replaced Western equipment and raw materials lost due to sanctions.
* Defense Minister Rustem Umerov planned to merge two agencies but changed his mind after NATO recommended keeping them separate.
* A reported peace proposal involving freezing front lines was publicly rejected by Russia.
Other news includes:
* The State Bureau of Investigation launched an investigation into the 155th “Anne of Kyiv” Brigade on January 3.
* In 2024, Ukraine imported over 108.5 million metric tons from Russia.
* Russian forces launched 141 drones at Ukraine overnight.
* President Volodymyr Zelensky said more air defenses for Ukraine means more protection of life.
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