Paris (Web Desk): US President Donald Trump is prepared to withdraw from efforts to mediate a peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine if no significant progress is made in the coming days, according to Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Following meetings with European and Ukrainian leaders in Paris, Rubio made it clear that Washington is no longer willing to commit indefinite time to the stalled negotiations.
“We’re at a critical point,” Rubio said. “If it's clear in the next few days that a peace deal can’t be achieved soon, the president will likely end our involvement.”
Washington Frustrated by Russian Position
Rubio’s statement underscores the growing impatience within the U.S. administration over what it sees as Russia’s unwillingness to compromise. According to diplomatic sources, the White House is increasingly doubtful that a resolution can be reached under current conditions.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov acknowledged some progress but admitted that maintaining communication with the U.S. is “not easy.” He added that while Russia remains open to talks, any solution must safeguard its national interests.
In Thursday’s meeting, the U.S. introduced a new peace proposal. Rubio described the response from European and Ukrainian officials as “positive.” Ukraine’s President Zelensky also described the discussions as “constructive.”
Still, by Friday, Rubio’s tone turned more urgent, emphasizing the need for immediate results and warning that without them, Washington could walk away from the negotiations altogether.
Tensions between Trump and Zelensky have recently strained bilateral ties. A proposed minerals agreement fell through in February after a heated exchange during an Oval Office meeting. However, Trump has indicated that a new deal could be signed soon.
Rubio confirmed he had briefed Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on key elements of the proposed peace plan following the talks in Paris.
Russia has set several conditions for peace: Ukraine must abandon its NATO membership plans, hand over four regions claimed by Russia, and reduce the size of its military. Kyiv has rejected these demands, calling them unacceptable and akin to surrender.
According to Rubio, European support will be essential to any lasting agreement, especially in terms of lifting EU sanctions against Moscow—something outside of U.S. control but potentially necessary to finalize a peace pact.
Elsewhere, US Vice President JD Vance expressed hope that the conflict could soon be resolved. After meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, he told reporters that “significant developments” had taken place in recent talks.
“We’re not making any assumptions,” said Vance, “but we’re hopeful that this brutal conflict could come to an end soon.”