United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot on Thursday to discuss peace efforts in Ukraine and broader security concerns. According to spokesperson Tammy Bruce, the meeting focused on urging European nations to take more decisive action in support of ending the war in Ukraine.

Rubio stated that “Europe must step up with real resources and political will to bring this war to an end,” emphasizing that verbal support alone is insufficient. While acknowledging France’s role in building European and Ukrainian alignment, he pushed for tangible contributions that demonstrate firm commitment to a lasting peace.

The high-level dialogue underscored growing U.S. pressure on European allies to increase their material and diplomatic efforts amid ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Rubio’s comments reflect a shift from diplomatic encouragement to a call for measurable action.

In addition to the Ukraine discussion, Rubio and Barrot reviewed developments in Gaza, including efforts to secure the release of hostages held by armed groups. The leaders reaffirmed their countries’ shared dedication to humanitarian diplomacy and conflict de-escalation in the region.

The meeting also included a reaffirmation of the joint U.S.-French objective to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons. Both sides stressed the importance of continued vigilance and international cooperation in addressing Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

The conversations highlight the evolving strategic dialogue between the U.S. and Europe, as well as the urgency behind achieving lasting diplomatic solutions in both Ukraine and the Middle East.