U.S. President Donald Trump recently indicated that the United States is prepared to “take a pass” on mediating further talks regarding the Ukraine conflict unless there is noticeable progress from both Moscow and Kyiv. In his remarks, Trump emphasized a sense of urgency, stating that a resolution is desired “very shortly.”
His comments follow those of Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who noted during discussions with European allies that Washington would “move on” if a ceasefire did not appear achievable within a matter of days. “No specific number of days, but quickly. We want to get it done,” Trump reiterated while addressing reporters in the Oval Office.
However, he made it clear that progress must come from both parties involved. “If for some reason one of the two parties makes it very difficult, we’re just going to say: ‘You’re foolish. You’re fools. You’re horrible people.’ And we’re going to just take a pass,” he explained. “But hopefully we won’t have to do that.”
Despite these statements, Trump expressed a belief that there remains a good chance to resolve the ongoing conflict. “It’s coming to a head right now,” he remarked, holding on to a thread of optimism.
Earlier in the day, Vice President JD Vance voiced his own optimism regarding peace, following a meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. This was their second encounter within 24 hours, and Vance expressed hope regarding the negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, stating that they now had “some interesting things to report on.”
Emphasizing the importance of diplomacy, Vance added, “I won’t prejudge” the ongoing negotiations, but maintained a cautiously optimistic outlook about bringing an end to what he described as a “very brutal war.”
Rubio affirmed Trump’s interest in achieving a peace deal while acknowledging the multitude of global priorities that demand attention. “We’re not going to continue with this endeavor for weeks and months on end,” he stated, reinforcing the need for a decisive assessment within days concerning the viability of a resolution.
Previously, Trump had asserted that he could end the Ukraine war within 24 hours if given the opportunity—a claim he later clarified was made in jest. Ukraine, on its end, has agreed to a complete temporary ceasefire but has accused Russia of stalling to gain a more advantageous negotiating position.
Trump’s direct discussions with Putin earlier in his first term took many in Western capitals by surprise. He hopes that the Russian leader is not dragging his feet on the negotiations, expressing a desire to “find out soon.”
As discussions continue, recent U.S. comments have highlighted talks involving American and European officials about the three-year-long conflict. Engaged in these discussions were Rubio, French President Emmanuel Macron, U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, British Foreign Secretary David Lammy, German officials, and Ukrainian ministers. The French presidency noted that these talks had initiated a “positive process,” as Europe strives to play a key role in resolving the conflict.
Next week, an additional meeting will convene in London with representatives from the U.S., France, Britain, Germany, and Ukraine. Following up on the Paris summit, Rubio engaged with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov to discuss collaborative efforts toward lasting peace. “The encouraging reception in Paris to the U.S. framework shows that peace is possible if all parties commit to reaching an agreement,” Rubio informed Lavrov.
In a related development, Russia’s Foreign Ministry reiterated its readiness to engage with American counterparts to address the underlying causes of the Ukrainian crisis. In this context, Lavrov and Rubio affirmed the necessity of maintaining “prompt communication channels” in light of ongoing negotiations.
The situation remains fluid as the expiration of a 30-day moratorium on strikes against Ukrainian energy infrastructure illustrates the precarious nature of the ceasefire talks. Both Russia and Ukraine have accused each other of violating this truce.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has voiced his skepticism regarding Russia’s sincerity in achieving peace, aligning his focus on “real security” in Europe. He expressed gratitude towards Macron for his involvement in the pursuit of a just and lasting peace.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot highlighted the significance of the collaborative discussions, underscoring that the U.S. now recognizes that “a just and sustainable peace can only be achieved with the consent and contribution of Europeans.”
Ultimately, the aim remains clear: to foster a robust and lasting peace while ensuring that all parties have a seat at the table as this complex situation continues to evolve.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring.
