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US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told the Greek newspaper Kathimerini on October 8, 2026 that there is currently no prospect of a negotiated settlement to the Russia-Ukraine war, calling diplomatic negotiations 'elusive' amid disputes over territorial demands and escalation risks. President Zelensky responded that it is contradictory for Washington to call the war a diplomatic stalemate while simultaneously discussing economic projects with Russia, arguing the US should instead increase economic pressure on Moscow rather than declare peace impossible.