The United States is poised to determine, in just a few weeks, the seriousness of Russia’s commitment to peace in Ukraine. This statement comes from US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who noted that European allies have raised concerns over Russia’s apparent delays in responding to calls for a ceasefire from the Trump administration.
US President Donald Trump has expressed his determination to end the ongoing conflict, now in its third year. He has consistently stated his belief that Russian President Vladimir Putin is genuinely interested in achieving peace. However, reports indicate that the White House has grown increasingly wary of Mr. Putin’s intentions, despite Trump’s continued endorsement of the Russian leader’s supposed desire for resolution.
“We will know soon enough, in a matter of weeks—not months—whether Russia is serious about peace or not. I hope they are,” Mr. Rubio stated following a two-day NATO meeting, emphasizing the urgency of clarity in this matter.
“We’re testing to see if the Russians are interested in peace. Their actions—not their words; their actions—will determine whether they’re serious or not, and we intend to find that out sooner rather than later,” he added, underlining the importance of tangible moves toward de-escalation.
Notably, a US proposal for a full 30-day ceasefire was rejected by Russia in March after Ukraine indicated its readiness to agree. Instead, both parties settled for a limited pause in attacks on each other’s energy infrastructures, which each side accuses the other of breaching. As it stands, Washington remains in dialogue with both sides.
European leaders are urging the US to press Russia to demonstrate its seriousness by agreeing to a ceasefire, with some proposing the establishment of explicit deadlines. “Russia owes an answer to the United States, which has worked very hard to develop a mediation effort and a ceasefire proposal,” stated French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot.
British Foreign Minister David Lammy remarked that Mr. Putin “continues to obfuscate, continues to drag his feet.” He further asserted, “He could accept a ceasefire now; instead, he continues to bombard Ukraine, targeting its civilian population and energy supplies. We see you, Vladimir Putin; we know what you are doing.”
Adding to the sentiment, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock described Putin’s negotiations as “nothing but empty promises,” accusing him of trying to buy time with incessant new demands. Calls for setting timelines for Russia’s acceptance of a ceasefire also came from the foreign ministers of Canada and Estonia.
While a senior US State Department official acknowledged a lack of consensus on a specific timeline to ramp up pressure on Russia, there was a broad understanding that “the sooner, the better.” The official affirmed, “There was consensus that Russia needs to do more, that Russia should agree to a ceasefire.”
Trust in the US as Europe’s primary defender against threats from Russia has been shaken in recent months, partially due to Trump’s overtures toward Moscow. Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide, when asked if reassurance was provided regarding US concessions that could negatively impact European interests, remarked, “I felt that the room had a broad agreement on where the red lines are.”
A senior European diplomat added, “I would say that he (Rubio) said all the right things. But the point is whether there is enough trust left between the US and its allies.”
In the midst of these diplomatic tensions, Russian drone strikes in Kharkiv have resulted in the deaths of two individuals and left dozens injured, according to Ukrainian authorities. With the ongoing aerial assaults intensifying, President Trump continues to advocate for a ceasefire after years of conflict.
Reports indicate that these strikes targeted both residential and office buildings in Kharkiv, igniting several fires and injuring 35 individuals, including a child. “Russian drones attacked one of the districts of Kharkiv. As a result of strikes at residential buildings and an administrative building, four fires broke out,” the state emergency service reported.
In addition to the Kharkiv incident, Ukraine has called upon the US to enhance sanctions on Russia for allegedly violating agreements reached during recent talks in Saudi Arabia. President Volodymyr Zelensky alleged that Russia is purposefully targeting Ukrainian energy infrastructure.
Elsewhere, a Russian missile strike tragically claimed the lives of four people in Kryvyi Rig, President Zelensky’s hometown, while a Ukrainian drone attack resulted in one fatality and an injury in Russia’s Bryansk region, as reported by local officials. Additionally, Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin confirmed that Russian air defense units had intercepted a drone approaching the capital.
“Air defense units of the Defense Ministry repelled an attack by a drone flying towards Moscow,” Sobyanin noted in a statement on Telegram. He added, “Emergency specialists are working at the site where fragments have fallen.” Following the incident, Vnukovo, Domodedovo, and Zhukovsky airports in Moscow were temporarily shut down, reopening for departing flights hours later.
Countries around Europe remain watchful and concerned, as the situation in Ukraine evolves amid calls for proactive measures and comprehensive engagements to foster lasting peace.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times international – Monitoring.
