Donald Trump has suggested that the US might “take a pass” on Ukraine’s peace negotiations if ending the bitter 11-year conflict proves to be too difficult. This threatened withdrawal from diplomatic efforts to end the war comes as the Trump administration’s previous 30-day ceasefire deal to stop Russian attacks on energy infrastructure also ended.
‘Art of the Deal’ author President Trump was, however, adamant that his talks with Russia’s Vladimir Putin had a “good chance” of success.
But according to comments made by Trump’s Secretary of State Marco Rubio after a Paris meeting with UK, EU, and Ukrainian representatives, it was made clear that Washington would “move on” if significant progress isn’t seen shortly.
Following a conversation with the US president on Friday, Downing Street revealed Sir Keir Starmer had engaged with Donald Trump regarding Ukraine but withheld further details. Foreign Secretary David Lammy remarked that those discussions highlighted a “shared commitment to global security”.
Speaking to journalists at the White House, Mr Trump backed Rubio’s comments, stating: “Marco is right in saying … we want to see it end”.
Betraying his tiredness of ‘foolish’ positions in the negotiations, Trump declared: “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 added: “But I believe there is a good chance of solving the problem.”
When questioned about whether Russian President Vladimir Putin was stonewalling negotiations, Trump responded tersely: “I hope not.”
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Yet the US’ progress towards greater involvement in the country took a step forward this week, with a memorandum being signed between the US and Ukraine, marking a preliminary move towards resurrecting a minerals agreement.
The Paris talks were notable as the first high-level discussions among British, French, and White House officials since separate visits to Washington by Sir Keir and French President Emmanuel Macron in February.
Upon his departure from Paris, Rubio informed the press that the US administration is keen to determine “very soon, and I’m talking about a matter of days, not a matter of weeks” whether the ongoing 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.”
He warned that if a resolution seems unattainable due to vast differences, then the president might reach a point where he decides to call it quits. Mr Rubio further stated: “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.”
Peace talks have been stalling since Moscow turned down a ceasefire agreement proposed by the US and Ukraine last month. In the meantime, the UK and France are attempting to rally a group of nations willing to uphold a truce, should one be agreed upon.
Following the discussions in Paris, Mr Lammy emphasised that “unity is our strength”. He said: “Today’s meetings with France, the US, Ukraine and Germany underscore our shared commitment to global security.
“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 inked with the US, setting the stage for an economic partnership agreement between the two countries.
This move is a step towards a deal that would provide the US with access to Ukraine’s mineral resources. According to Ms Svyrydenko, a conclusive agreement would also encompass an investment fund for Ukraine’s reconstruction.
US officials have voiced optimism that a pact could be finalised by the close of next week.
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