Marco Rubio

When we come off as urgent or even critical about decisions that Europe has failed to make or made, it is because we care.

It is because we understand that ultimately our own fate will be intertwined with what happens with Europe.

We want Europe to survive.

We want Europe to prosper because we're interconnected in so many different ways and because our alliance is so critical.

But it has to be an alliance of allies that are capable and willing.

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico says he's ready to host any future peace negotiations.

He blamed Europe for prolonging the war by supplying weapons to Ukraine and did not criticize Russia at all during his news conference with Secretary of State Rubio, who thanked him for his insights on Ukraine.

Vito praised Rubio's boss, President Trump, as a, quote, very pragmatic and rational leader, once again dismissing reports that he told some EU leaders that he was worried about Trump's mental state during a visit in Florida last month.

Rubio is now in Hungary to meet another pro-Trump leader, Viktor Orban.

Michelle Kellerman, NPR News, Budapest.

I see it reported yesterday in some places, oh, the Europeans are very upset.

They're going to be less dependent on America now.

We don't want Europe to be dependent.

We're not asking Europe to be a vassal of the United States.

We want to be your partner.

I see it reported yesterday in some places, oh, the Europeans are very upset.

They're going to be less dependent on America now.

We don't want Europe to be dependent.

We're not asking Europe to be a vassal of the United States.

We want to be your partner.