Pro-India, pro-Israel, China hawk: What to expect if Marco Rubio becomes US secretary of state

Sources speaking on condition of anonymity indicated that, while Trump is known for last-minute decisions, he seemed to have made up his mind by Monday. The new administration will face considerable global challenges, with ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, as China strengthens its ties with Russia and Iran. For Rubio, Ukraine will be a priority, as he recently suggested that Ukraine should focus on diplomatic solutions with Russia rather than territorial recovery. He was one of 15 Republican senators who opposed a $95 billion Ukraine military aid package in April. “I’m not on Russia’s side — but unfortunately, the reality of it is that the way the war in Ukraine is going to end is with a negotiated settlement,” Rubio told NBC in September.