GOP Representative Dan Crenshaw of Texas outlined his vision for a sustainable peace in Ukraine during his recent interview on “Face the Nation” with Margaret Brennan. Speaking from the Munich Security Conference after meeting Ukrainian President Zelenskyy and fellow lawmakers, Crenshaw emphasized that Ukraine’s future hinges not only on ongoing military support but also on firm security assurances integrated into any peace agreement.

A Path Toward Enduring Peace

Crenshaw made it clear that a lasting peace for Ukraine involves more than merely ending hostilities—it requires concrete security guarantees. He referenced General Kellogg, the Special Envoy leading the peace initiative, who stressed the importance of defining what security assurances should look like. According to Crenshaw, even Ukrainian leaders are actively discussing these details, which underlines the complexity and necessity of comprehensive negotiations.

The Urgent Need for European Leadership

A central theme in Crenshaw’s message was the call for European nations to take a more proactive and aggressive role in the conflict. “If you want a seat at the table, you need to be uncomfortably aggressive,” he asserted, arguing that Europe should not only match but exceed U.S. contributions. Given that Europe is directly impacted by Russian actions, Crenshaw contends that European leaders must significantly boost their military and financial support—potentially doubling or tripling their efforts—to shift the balance of power and strengthen the negotiating position against Vladimir Putin.

Negotiating with Putin: Power and Pragmatism

When addressing the contentious issue of engaging with Putin, Crenshaw maintained that no option should be ruled out during negotiations. He stressed that Putin responds only to power, advocating for a “carrot and stick” approach. While some officials have voiced concerns about setting preconditions (such as limiting Ukraine’s NATO aspirations or redrawing its borders), Crenshaw insists that keeping all options on the table is crucial. He pointed to former President Trump’s readiness to use every available lever—both economic and military—to ensure that negotiations are robust and effective.

Lessons from Afghanistan and Domestic Priorities

Drawing parallels with past foreign policy challenges, Crenshaw recalled the shortcomings in handling the aftermath of the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan—particularly regarding the plight of those who had supported American efforts. Citing his own experience with the Afghan Adjustment Act, he emphasized the moral and strategic imperative to bring back allies who risked their lives alongside U.S. forces.

On the domestic front, Crenshaw also touched on the debate over U.S. defense spending. While America currently allocates about 3.4% of its GDP to defense, he expressed support for discussions on increasing this figure to 5%—a target promoted by President Trump. Such an increase, he argued, would not only reinforce America’s military readiness but also help maintain a strategic advantage in an increasingly complex global landscape.

In Conclusion

Crenshaw’s remarks paint a picture of a multifaceted strategy for resolving the crisis in Ukraine—one that calls for robust U.S. leadership combined with a significantly more assertive European response. His blueprint emphasizes that achieving lasting peace will require all parties to engage fully at the negotiating table, backed by the power to enforce real change. In his view, a unified approach—blending military might, diplomatic flexibility, and proactive European participation—is the key to deterring further aggression and ensuring a stable, secure future for Ukraine and the broader region.

Face the Nation moderator Margaret Brennan sat down with New Hampshire Democrat and ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Senator Jeanne Shaheen, during the Munich Security Conference in Germany. The interview focused on the ongoing negotiations to end the war in Ukraine and highlighted bipartisan Senate efforts to support Ukraine both on the battlefield and during post-conflict rebuilding.

In a lengthy and multifaceted interview on CBS’s “Face the Nation,” Secretary of State Marco Rubio addressed a series of contentious international issues—from efforts to secure the release of hostages in the Middle East to questions on Iran’s diplomatic engagement, the prospects for peace in Ukraine, and the importance of free speech in democratic forums.

Hostage Release and Ongoing Negotiations

Rubio began by emphasizing a shared commitment with U.S. and international partners to bring every hostage home. Citing discussions with Israeli officials—including Prime Minister Netanyahu—he described the situation as “heartbreaking” with some hostages held for nearly two years.

“Frankly, I think – and the president has said this – we want to see them out as soon as we possibly can,” Rubio declared, stressing that every effort is underway to secure an immediate release rather than waiting weeks for the process to unfold.

He noted that while a phased deal might dictate a staggered release, the administration’s goal is unequivocal: to return every hostage safely and quickly.

Iran and the Quest for Diplomatic Progress

When pressed about President Trump’s desire for a diplomatic deal with Iran—and whether the administration supports preemptive measures against Tehran’s nuclear ambitions—Rubio made his position clear.

“I will say that we don't have any outreach from Iran. We haven't seen any,” he explained, adding that past Iranian diplomatic efforts have been “only about how to extend the time frame” while continuing to sponsor terrorism, build long-range weapons, and sow regional instability.

Rubio expressed hope for a day when Iran would renounce its nuclear ambitions and reengage with the global community as a responsible state, though he stressed that no such signals have been seen for decades.

Russian Engagement and the Ukraine Conflict

The interview also touched on Russia and Ukraine. Rubio recounted President Trump’s call with Vladimir Putin and reiterated that dialogue—even if only a first step—is necessary for peace. He was cautious, however, about setting expectations too high:

“One call does not make peace. One meeting wouldn't make it. There’s a lot of work to be done,” Rubio noted, underscoring that any genuine negotiations would require the involvement of Ukraine, Europe, and other key allies.

Rubio maintained that while lifting sanctions or reestablishing normal diplomatic functions (such as ensuring fully operational embassies) might eventually be part of broader negotiations, these are preliminary moves aimed solely at opening channels of communication.

Free Speech and the European Debate

A particularly heated segment of the discussion emerged around free speech. The conversation referenced comments made by Vice President J.D. Vance at the Munich Security Conference, where he warned that Europe’s internal threat was not from external actors like Russia or China but from “within”—namely, the erosion of free speech.

When CBS host Margaret Brennan suggested that free speech had been “weaponized” to conduct a genocide in historical contexts, Rubio sharply countered:

“Free speech was not used to conduct a genocide. The genocide was conducted by an authoritarian Nazi regime that happened to also be genocidal because they hated Jews and they hated minorities,” he asserted.

Rubio went on to highlight that Nazi Germany was a one-party state with no room for opposition or open debate, emphasizing that the values of free speech and democratic discourse are what bind Western allies together—even if, at times, those views differ.

He argued that in democratic forums such as the Munich Security Conference, diverse opinions—even those that might be controversial—are essential to robust dialogue and should not be met with undue censure.

Looking Ahead

Wrapping up the discussion, Rubio reiterated his support for the president’s strategy, noting that real progress in any conflict—from the Middle East hostage crisis to the war in Ukraine—requires continuous, concrete steps rather than symbolic gestures.

As the administration continues to engage on multiple fronts, Rubio’s interview underscored a commitment to open diplomacy, the protection of democratic values, and a pragmatic approach to resolving some of today’s most challenging international issues.