U.S. President Donald Trump is poised to abandon efforts to broker a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine within days unless tangible progress is made, according to Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Speaking in Paris after high-level talks with European and Ukrainian officials, Rubio stressed the urgency of the situation, stating, “We’re not going to continue with this endeavour for weeks and months on end.”
Rubio’s remarks reflect mounting White House frustration over what it views as Russia’s reluctance to compromise. While he noted some positive engagement from Ukraine and European allies, he warned that a decision would soon be made on whether the initiative is worth continuing. If not, Trump could withdraw from the diplomatic push entirely, signaling a significant shift in U.S. policy.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov acknowledged some progress in peace talks but described Washington-Moscow dialogue as challenging. He reiterated Russia’s interest in resolving the conflict, provided its strategic interests are preserved. Meanwhile, European leaders and Kyiv have yet to officially respond to Rubio’s comments, though insiders suggest discontent with Russia’s position is shared.
Despite the stern warning, there have been signs of tentative progress. Trump announced plans to sign a minerals agreement with Ukraine next week, and Zelensky’s office described the recent talks in Paris as “constructive.” These meetings marked the first significant in-person engagement between the U.S., Ukraine, and European powers under Trump’s renewed peace drive.
However, the broader context remains tense. Russia’s recent missile strike in Sumy, which killed 35 civilians, underscores the war’s continued intensity. Trump, who had promised to end the war swiftly upon taking office, now faces a critical juncture. A U.S. withdrawal from peace efforts could stall negotiations altogether, with no other global power possessing the same leverage over both Moscow and Kyiv.
