Washington D.C.: The United States has signaled a decisive shift in its stance on brokering peace between Russia and Ukraine, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio declaring that the U.S. could withdraw from the negotiation process within days if tangible progress is not made. The bold ultimatum comes after high-level meetings in Paris involving American, European, and Ukrainian leaders.
“We’re not going to continue with this endeavour for weeks and months on end”, Rubio stated, underscoring the Trump administration’s growing impatience.
“We need to determine very quickly now—I’m talking about a matter of days—whether or not this is doable in the next few weeks. If it is, we’re in. If it’s not, then we have other priorities to focus on as well”.
Rubio’s remarks, made from Le Bourget Airport, followed what he described as “constructive” talks, but he emphasized the urgent need for clarity on whether a viable peace framework can be reached.
Clock Ticking on Diplomacy
The Paris discussions marked the first major multilateral peace talks since President Donald Trump’s return to office, signaling a renewed but increasingly conditional U.S. push for a resolution. According to AP, French officials are preparing for a follow-up meeting in London early next week, which Rubio may attend.
Despite multiple rounds of negotiations facilitated by Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff—including three meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin—progress has stalled. Russia has refused a comprehensive ceasefire proposed by the U.S. and endorsed by Ukraine. Instead, Moscow has demanded that Kyiv halt military mobilization and that the West cease arms shipments—preconditions flatly rejected by Ukraine.
Trump’s Shifting Tone on Ukraine
President Trump, who had once vowed to end the war within 24 hours of returning to the White House, has faced mounting criticism as the conflict drags on. He initially forecast a peace deal by April or May, but continued tensions—most notably a public spat in February with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy—have further complicated negotiations.
On Thursday, Trump commented, “I don’t hold Zelenskyy responsible but I’m not exactly thrilled with the fact that that war started”.
He added, “I’m not blaming him, but what I am saying is that I wouldn’t say he’s done the greatest job, OK? I am not a big fan”.
Earlier this week, Zelenskyy invited Trump to visit Ukraine to witness the devastation firsthand. Trump, however, dismissed the invitation while also criticizing CBS for airing Zelenskyy’s remarks.
U.S. and Ukraine Move Toward Strategic Minerals Pact
In a potentially significant development parallel to the faltering peace talks, Kyiv and Washington signed a memorandum of understanding on Thursday, according to The New York Times. The agreement lays the foundation for a future strategic minerals deal, highlighting the deepening economic ties between the two nations even as diplomatic negotiations remain uncertain.
As the U.S. draws a firm line on the feasibility of peace in the coming days, all eyes are on the next round of discussions. If no breakthrough occurs, Washington may indeed “just move on,” leaving the future of the conflict in even more precarious hands.
