U.S. says it is uniquely placed to convene Russia and Ukraine but cautions negotiated settlement will be difficult

Asked about high-level talks in Miami and whether the United States can shape an outcome, the secretary described the U.S. role primarily as convenor and mediator: "There's only one nation on earth that can actually talk to both sides and figure out whether there's a way to end this war peacefully, and that's The United States," he said.

He stressed that a negotiated settlement requires both sides to get something and give something, and that the U.S. cannot impose terms: "It will be up to Ukraine and up to Russia," he said. He also emphasized that the hardest issues are usually the last and that progress depends on understanding what each side can accept.

On whether the U.S. would accept recognition of occupied territory, the secretary declined to negotiate specifics in the media and repeated that any peace deal must be acceptable to Ukraine as a combatant. He said the administration is investing significant diplomatic time and resources in the effort and that success is uncertain but worth attempting given the humanitarian costs and long-term reconstruction implications.

The secretary noted the U.S. has supplied weapons, intelligence and sanctions to support Ukraine and that the administration is coordinating intensively with international partners to test whether a deal is attainable.