Rubio says he will break the deadlock in Kiev-Moscow talks

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio believes that only a direct conversation between President Donald Trump and Russian dictator Vladimir Putin can break the deadlock in talks between Russia and Ukraine.

Rubio stated that Trump is eager to meet with Putin as soon as possible.

Ultimately, only a direct conversation between Trump and Putin can resolve the stalemate. Trump has already stated his desire and is confident that the meeting will take place. We hope it will be resolved soon," the US Secretary of State noted.

He stressed that the date and place of the meeting are still unknown, but the work on its preparation is underway.

I think the Russian side has also expressed its readiness. Now the question is to gather everyone and decide where, when and what the meeting will be about," Rubio summarised.

The day before, Trump said he would like to arrange a meeting with Putin "as soon as it is possible to organise it" and expressed confidence that it could be planned.

Putin and Trump have previously spoken by phone on 12 February and 18 March.