According to an official statement from the US State Department, the diplomatic process remains a key element for resolving the conflict in Ukraine. During a conversation between Secretary of State Marco Rubio and French Foreign Minister Stéphane Barro, the two discussed the steps being taken to encourage direct negotiations between Russia and Ukraine. Rubio emphasized the importance of continuing these direct negotiations to achieve a lasting peace in the region. The United States remains firmly committed to the diplomatic resolution of the crisis and stresses that any peaceful settlement must be based on respect for international law and Ukraine's full sovereignty.