“Little Marco”: what is the future US Secretary of State’s position on Ukraine

Marco Rubio, Donald Trump’s former rival in the 2016 primaries, has become an unexpected choice for the post of Secretary of State in the new US presidential administration. The Financial Times published an article analyzing Rubio’s position on major foreign policy issues, UNN reports.

Marco Rubio was born in Miami, but spent his childhood in Las Vegas, where his father worked as a bartender in a casino and his mother was a hotel housekeeper. Later, she went to work in a factory, while taking care of four children. In his youth, Rubio was fond of American football, even playing on the team at Tarquio College in Missouri. However, after quitting the sport, he transferred to a community college and later entered the University of Florida, where he received a degree in political science in 1993. In 1996, he completed his law degree at the University of Miami.

Rubio is the son of Cuban immigrants, and this has largely shaped his political career. In 2011, he was first elected to the Senate, and in 2016, he tried to run for the presidency of the United States. 

However, his campaign failed, in part because of sharp attacks from Donald Trump, who called him “Little Marco.” Then Rubio did not stand aside, calling Trump a “huckster” who would sell watches on the street without inherited real estate. 

Although these controversies left a mark, Trump later offered Rubio one of the key positions in his administration – Secretary of State.

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The turnaround is so abrupt that even foreign allies have expressed surprise and some relief. 

An individual like Rubio contrasts with the president-elect’s more controversial national security picks, such as former Fox commentator Pete Hegseth on defense and Tulsi Gabbard, the nominee for director of national intelligence, who has been criticized for her pro-Russian stance.

“To be honest, some of Trump’s nominees have made us drop our jaws – but not Rubio… He has a lot of foreign policy experience and understands the added value of strong alliances,”  said a senior official from a NATO country.

In general, in the  Senate, Marco Rubio became known for his tough stance on China. He has actively criticized Beijing’s policies, speaking out against the persecution of the Uighurs, the suppression of democratic protests in Hong Kong, and pressure on Taiwan. In 2020, China imposed sanctions on him because of his vocal criticism. Rubio also wrote two reports warning about the threat that China poses to the US economy and technology.

At the beginning of his career, Rubio was a strong supporter of America’s global role, calling it an “indispensable force.” However, over time, his rhetoric changed. He began to emphasize the limited resources of the United States, pointing out that the country should choose where to act.

Position on Ukraine

Rubio’s attitude toward Ukraine has also undergone a transformation. Initially, he strongly supported Ukraine’s fight against Russian aggression. However, this year he voted against additional funding for Kyiv, calling the conflict a “stalemate.” 

“We want this conflict to end, and it will require some very difficult decisions,” he said.

In fact, foreign diplomats and the foreign policy establishment in Washington doubt how influential Rubio will be and how he will be able to cooperate with other more unorthodox or radical Trump appointees.

A senior official from a NATO country tempered his optimism about Rubio, saying that “a lot will depend on who his running mates are and how strong his position is on the National Security Council.