Rubio to miss NATO meeting during crucial time for Ukraine, sources report

WASHINGTON U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is expected to miss next week's NATO foreign ministers meeting in Brussels, according to two U.S. officials, marking an uncommon absence of the top American diplomat from a key transatlantic forum. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau will attend in his place, one official said, speaking on condition of anonymity about unreleased plans.

The reason for Rubio's absence on December 3 remains unclear, and his schedule could still change. His probable no-show coincides with ongoing efforts by U.S. and Ukrainian officials to reconcile differences over President Donald Trump's proposed approach to ending Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Some European diplomats have expressed frustration at being sidelined in these discussions.

NATO traditionally holds two formal meetings of foreign ministers each year, and it is highly unusual for the U.S. Secretary of State to miss one. During Trumps first term, then-Secretary Rex Tillerson initially planned to skip an April 2017 session, though the meeting was later rescheduled to fit his calendar.

Rubio Maintains Frequent Contact with Allies

A State Department spokesperson did not provide details on Rubio's potential absence but highlighted that NATO was fully revitalized under the Trump administration and noted Rubio's recent meetings with European officials in Switzerland. Secretary Rubio also regularly engages with NATO allies, including meetings last weekend in Geneva, the spokesperson said.

A senior department official emphasized that Rubio participates in numerous gatherings. He has already taken part in dozens of meetings with NATO allies, and it would be unrealistic to expect his attendance at every session, the official added.

A NATO official deferred to the U.S. regarding Rubios presence, noting that it is not uncommon for some foreign ministers to miss the event. Meanwhile, Ukrainian and European leaders remain cautious about being pressured into agreements favorable to Russia, particularly after a leaked 28-point peace plan appeared in the media on November 18.

Rubios absence could intensify concerns about U.S. commitment to European security, which has been questioned in recent years. While Washington serves as NATO's leading power, Trump has previously questioned the alliance's relevance and hinted at a potential withdrawal. Landau, who will attend on Rubios behalf, had earlier posted on X questioning NATOs necessity, a post he later removed.

Although Trump reaffirmed support for NATO during a June summit, he has consistently pushed member countries to increase defense spending, stating the U.S. would no longer bail them out.

The timing of Rubios likely absence coincides with a tense period for Ukraine. In addition to ongoing concerns over peace negotiations, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiys chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, resigned Friday following a search of his home by anti-corruption agents.

(Reporting by Gram Slattery; Editing by Chris Reese, Diane Craft, Rod Nickel)

Author: Sophia Brooks