US Secretary of State Marco Rubio appeared on Fox News with a cross on his forehead, which is a symbol of Ash Wednesday in the Catholic tradition. This rite marks the beginning of Lent, which lasts 40 days before Easter. The mixture for applying the cross is made from burnt palm branches consecrated on Palm Sunday of the previous year, holy water and incense, writes IZ with reference to 24tv.
Experts suggest that the gesture may be part of a strategy by Donald Trump's new team to showcase its deep faith and conservative values. Thus, Rubio's appearance with the religious symbol may have been deliberately aimed at the conservative electorate in the United States.
During the interview, Rubio called the Russian-Ukrainian war a proxy war between the United States and Russia, noting that it has reached a dead end. According to him, US support for Ukraine is a continuation of this tension, which must be ended. He also mentioned the position of Donald Trump, who considers this conflict to be long and exhausting for both sides.
In addition, Rubio criticized the plan of Ukraine and its allies, which provided for constant assistance from the United States. He positively assessed the possible revision of this position by Volodymyr Zelensky. Marco Rubio's statements can have a significant impact on both domestic US policy and international relations. Recognizing the war in Ukraine as a proxy conflict between nuclear powers can strengthen calls for peace negotiations and change Washington's approach to supporting Kyiv.
As a reminder, we previously wrote that China promised to “fight to the end” against US tariffs.