US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas have exchanged harsh statements about russia's war against Ukraine at the G7 meeting.
Axios has reported this.
According to sources who attended the meeting, during the discussion of the situation in Ukraine, Kallas criticized the United States for not increasing pressure on russia.
She recalled how a year ago Rubio said that the United States would take action against russia if it interfered with US efforts to end the war.
"A year has passed, and Russia hasn't moved. When is your patience going to run out?" asked Kallas.
Rubio, according to sources, was irritated by the question.
"We are doing the best we can to end the war. If you think you can do it better, go ahead. We will step aside," he replied.
Rubio also added that the United States is negotiating with both sides, while helping only Ukraine with weapons, intelligence and other support.
After this dialog, several European ministers interjected and said they wanted the US to continue the path of diplomacy. At the end of the meeting, Rubio and Kallas briefly stepped aside to try to calm the situation, sources said.
Speaking to reporters after the G7 meeting, the US Secretary of State denied any tension or criticism.
"These meetings are oftentimes about thanking America for the role we played... and appreciation for the mediating role we've tried to play in this war between Russia and Ukraine. No one there screams or raises their voices or says anything negative," he said.
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