PARIS (AP) — President Donald Trump announced on Friday that negotiations between Ukraine and Russia are "coming to a head," asserting that neither party is attempting to manipulate him in his efforts to conclude the ongoing conflict. His comments came shortly after U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned that the United States may withdraw from seeking a Russia-Ukraine peace deal if significant progress is not achieved soon. This warning came at a time when months of negotiations have struggled to yield results in ending the hostilities that have escalated since Russia's invasion in February 2022.
"If one of the two parties makes it very difficult, we’re just going to say you’re foolish. You are fools, you horrible people,” Trump declared. He expressed hope that a swift resolution can be reached, emphasizing that he does not wish to abandon the negotiation process entirely.
Upon returning from landmark talks in Paris, where U.S., Ukrainian, and European officials engaged in discussions about peace efforts, Rubio's tone indicated a critical juncture ahead. He relayed the need to ascertain whether reaching a peace agreement is realistic and insisted that if it appears unattainable, the U.S. would pivot its focus elsewhere. "It’s not our war. We have other priorities to focus on," he informed reporters.
The urgency conveyed by Rubio was underscored by reports that he reiterated similar sentiments during a Friday phone call with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, asserting that the United States will need to reconsider its commitment to facilitating peace unless a clear path forward materializes promptly.
While Trump acknowledged Rubio's perspective that the dynamics surrounding the negotiations must shift, he did not explicitly indicate a willingness to withdraw from the table. "We want to see it end," he stated, suggesting a desire for continued engagement.
Despite the pessimistic tone, the discussions in Paris had yielded some positive developments, particularly regarding a minerals agreement aimed at reclaiming military aid the U.S. has provided to Ukraine since the outset of hostilities. A memorandum of intent was signed, setting the stage for further investment and modernization of Ukraine's infrastructure.
However, the path to lasting peace remains tangled with contention, as Trump previously claimed he could end the war rapidly but later suggested he was being "a little bit sarcastic." Reports indicate that while American and European officials are contemplating various strategies, including sanctions, they remain focused on not easing the pressure on Russia, a position confirmed by a diplomatic official involved in the Paris discussions.
Amidst negotiations, U.S. Vice President JD Vance expressed optimism while meeting Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, hinting at positive developments but withholding specifics.
Russia, for its part, has stated it remains open to further discussions. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov noted that "fairly complex" negotiations are ongoing but refrained from giving further details. In the meantime, the conflict has persisted with renewed violence, as Russian strikes have continued to target Ukrainian cities, causing civilian injuries and fatalities.
In summary, both sides are under significant pressure to reach a peace agreement, with future meetings planned to assess the viability of continued negotiations. As the situation develops, the international community will be closely monitoring the actions of both the U.S. administration and the parties involved in the conflict.
