Stalemate Risks U.S. Abandoning Peace Talks as Deadline Approaches

PARIS/WASHINGTON — U.S. President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned Friday that the United States would abandon its efforts to broker a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine if no significant progress is made in the coming days.

Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “Quickly, we want to get it done.” He cited concerns over civilian casualties, asserting, “We’re talking about here people dying. We’re going to get it stopped, ideally.” The warning follows Rubio’s remarks in Paris, where he indicated that the U.S. administration is not willing to let talks drag on for weeks or months without tangible results.

“We need to determine very quickly now — and I’m talking about a matter of days — whether or not this is doable in the next few weeks,” Rubio told reporters. Both officials have expressed frustration over the lack of progress, with Rubio asserting that the U.S. may shift focus to other priorities if negotiations stall.

Trump’s comments echo the growing discontent within the White House regarding the lack of enthusiasm from both Russia and Ukraine in reaching a ceasefire agreement. The U.S. has been engaged in peace talks since the onset of the full-scale invasion in 2022, but efforts for a comprehensive ceasefire have yet to materialize.

The Kremlin, meanwhile, has responded to Trump’s expectations with caution. Spokesman Dmitry Peskov noted that negotiations are complex and require careful consideration of both nations’ interests. He stated, “The negotiations taking place are quite difficult,” and confirmed that Russia remains open to dialogue.

Despite the mixed outcomes of talks, a certain momentum has begun to build, particularly after a recent meeting in Paris attended by U.S., Ukrainian, and European officials. Rubio described the discussions as “very positive,” and U.S. Vice President JD Vance expressed optimism about resolving the conflict following a meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

On the humanitarian front, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reported continued Russian aggression, with missile attacks on Ukrainian cities causing fatalities. He attributed a recent death toll to a Russian drone strike in the northeastern city of Sumy, where local infrastructure has been damaged.

In addition to the peace talks, the U.S. and Ukraine are renegotiating a minerals deal following prior challenges in negotiations. A memorandum of intent was signed recently, indicating intentions to create an investment fund aimed at Ukraine’s post-war reconstruction. Ukrainian officials highlighted that while the agreement is meant to strengthen ties with the U.S., they seek assurance of security guarantees amidst ongoing conflict.

Ivanna Klympush-Tsintsadze, chair of Ukraine’s parliamentary committee on EU integration, remarked on the importance of oversight regarding any deal, stating, “I hope that there will be enough reasoning to ensure that whatever is signed… is in the interest of our country and our people.” The details of the minerals deal, expected to be ratified by the Ukrainian Parliament, remain undisclosed but are seen as crucial for post-war recovery.

With a 30-day moratorium on strikes against Ukrainian energy infrastructure nearing its expiration, tensions are expected to rise further. Rubio’s warnings made it clear that without substantial progress, the U.S. may withdraw from negotiations, ending a pivotal diplomatic effort aimed at mitigating the crisis.

As both sides struggle to find common ground amidst rising civilian casualties and geopolitical tensions, the next few days could be critical for the future of U.S.-mediated peace efforts in Ukraine.