Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s flight to the Munich Security Conference experienced a mechanical problem, forcing an unscheduled return to Joint Base Andrews.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s Thursday flight to Germany encountered mechanical difficulties, resulting in a return to Joint Base Andrews near Washington, D.C. State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce stated, as reported by AFP, that “The plane on which Secretary Rubio is flying experienced a mechanical issue,” adding, “The plane has turned around and is returning to Joint Base Andrews. The Secretary intends to continue his travel to Germany and the Middle East on a separate aircraft.”
President Trump announced that senior U.S. officials will meet with their Russian counterparts at the Munich Security Conference on Friday to discuss the Ukraine conflict.
In a White House briefing, President Trump said, “They’re having a meeting in Munich tomorrow. Russia is going to be there with our people,” adding that Ukraine is also invited, without specifying the meeting’s format or whether it would involve three-way or bilateral discussions.
The Munich Security Conference, taking place February 14-16, will include Rubio, who is joining Vice President J.D. Vance, already in Germany leading the U.S. delegation. Vance is scheduled to meet with Ukraine’s President Zelensky.
Confirmed by the Senate shortly after President Trump’s inauguration on January 20th, Secretary Rubio’s trip to Germany to address the Ukraine conflict marks his second overseas assignment. He will subsequently travel to Israel, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates to discuss the Gaza war and President Trump’s proposal for U.S. involvement in the Palestinian territories.