President Trump said the US could ‘pass’ on peace in Ukraine if it become too difficult
Donald Trump has suggested that the US might “take a pass” on Ukraine peace talks if they prove too challenging, although he also mentioned there is a “good chance” of success. This threat to withdraw from diplomatic efforts comes as the US’ previous 30-day deal to stop Russian attacks on energy infrastructure also came to an end.
Marco Rubio, Trump’s Secretary of State, hinted that Washington could “move on” if there isn’t any progress in the coming days, following a meeting in Paris with delegations from the UK, EU, and Ukraine. On Friday, when asked about Rubio’s comments, Trump went further and said he might to ‘pass’ on peace talks.
Downing Street confirmed that Sir Keir Starmer spoke with the US president during a phone call on Friday about Ukraine, but no further details were provided. Foreign Secretary David Lammy highlighted that the discussions emphasised the “shared commitment to global security.”
Speaking to journalists at the White House on Friday, Mr Trump agreed with Rubio’s sentiment, stating: “Marco is right in saying… we want to see it end”.
Trump showed that his administration is growing tired of the negotiations, stating: “If for some reason one of the two parties makes it very difficult, we’re going to say you’re fools, you’re foolish, and we’re just going to take a pass.”
However, he still expressed optimism, adding that he believes there is “a good chance of solving the problem”. When questioned whether Russian President Vladimir Putin was stalling the negotiations, Mr Trump responded: “I hope not.”
These comments came as the US and Ukraine finally signed a memorandum, marking an initial move towards reviving a stalled minerals deal.
The Paris talks marked the first significant level dialogue between British, French, and White House officials since Sir Keir and French President Emmanuel Macron made separate visits to Washington in February.
Upon departing from Paris, Mr Rubio informed journalists that the US administration is eager to determine “very soon, and I’m talking about a matter of days, not a matter of weeks” whether the war can be brought to an end.
“If it can, we’re prepared to do whatever we can to facilitate that and make sure that it… ends in a durable and just way. If it’s not possible, if we’re so far apart that this is not going to happen, then I think the president’s probably at a point where he’s going to say, well, we’re done.”
He added: “We need to figure out here now, within a matter of days, whether this is doable in the short term, because if it’s not, then I think we’re just going to move on.”
Efforts towards a potential peace have stumbled since Moscow turned down a ceasefire agreement last month that had been reached by the US and Ukraine.
In the meantime, the UK and France are attempting to form a coalition of nations ready to uphold a truce should one be established.
Following the discussions in Paris, Mr Lammy said: “Unity is our strength. Today’s meetings with France, the US, Ukraine and Germany underscore our shared commitment to global security.”
He also stated: “We are working hard with allies to secure a lasting peace in Ukraine. Russia must agree to an immediate, full and unconditional ceasefire as Ukraine has done.”
Ukraine’s economy minister, Yulia Svyrydenko, announced on X that a memorandum of intent has been signed with the US, marking a step towards an economic partnership agreement between the two countries.
This move paves the way for an agreement that would provide the US with access to Ukraine’s mineral resources. Ms Svyrydenko also mentioned that a final deal would include an investment fund dedicated to the reconstruction of Ukraine.
US officials have expressed optimism that an agreement could be finalised by the end of next week.
#Donald #Trump #pass #Ukraine #peace #talks #hard
