Trump sets deadline for Ukraine peace progress
U.S. President Donald Trump is prepared to withdraw from efforts to mediate peace between Russia and Ukraine if tangible progress is not made within the next few days, according to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, as reported by The Moscow Times.
“We don’t intend to continue this process for weeks or months. Therefore, we must decide very soon—within a few days—whether a breakthrough is feasible in the coming weeks. If so, we remain engaged. If not, we have other priorities that require our attention,” Rubio stated following a meeting in Paris with representatives from the European Union and Ukraine, cited by Reuters.
He emphasized that while Trump remains committed to brokering a peace agreement, he is ready to move on if no immediate signs of progress emerge.
During his election campaign, Trump vowed to end the war within 24 hours of returning to the White House. After assuming office, however, he revised this timeline to April or May due to diplomatic challenges that have hindered swift resolution.
Since taking office, Trump has intensified efforts to negotiate a peace deal, making the conflict in Ukraine a central focus of his foreign policy. He launched a series of diplomatic discussions aimed at bringing Russia and Ukraine to the negotiating table, yet the path to peace has proven fraught with obstacles.
Tensions between Kyiv and the Trump administration have grown, particularly after President Volodymyr Zelensky’s visit to Washington on February 28. Shortly afterward, the U.S. temporarily suspended military assistance and intelligence sharing. In response, Zelensky has adopted a more cautious tone, repeatedly expressing gratitude for American support.
In early March, Ukraine agreed to a U.S. proposal for a 30-day ceasefire, but Russia rejected the plan. Following this rejection, American aid resumed. Subsequently, both Russia and Ukraine agreed to halt attacks on energy infrastructure and maritime routes. However, Moscow conditioned any broader maritime agreement on the easing of international sanctions.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
