The United States is on the brink of abandoning its peace efforts in Ukraine if no significant progress is made in the coming days, according to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Speaking in Paris after a series of high-level talks with European and Ukrainian officials, Rubio emphasized that the US cannot continue its endeavors indefinitely. He highlighted that the Trump administration has been actively working for 87 days to bring the war to an end, but now it is time to determine whether a resolution is achievable.
Rubio’s statement underscores the urgency of the situation and the need for immediate action. He clarified that while the US has been assisting Ukraine for the past three years, the conflict is not America’s war. The US has engaged both Russia and Ukraine to understand their perspectives and explore the possibility of a peaceful resolution. However, if the differences between the two sides cannot be narrowed within the next few days, the US will have to reassess its involvement.
The recent talks in Paris were described as constructive, with an outline for steps toward peace being developed. However, Rubio warned that the US will not engage in endless meetings without tangible results. He stressed that the US has other priorities and cannot afford to invest time and resources indefinitely into a process that may not yield a resolution. The next meeting is expected to take place in London early next week, and Rubio indicated that he might participate if it promises to be productive.
The US has presented a broad framework for peace to all parties involved, including Russia, Ukraine, and European officials. While the details of this framework remain undisclosed to avoid jeopardizing the negotiations, it aims to provide a foundation for a durable and just peace. Rubio emphasized that the US is prepared to do whatever it takes to facilitate peace if it is within reach. However, if the parties are too far apart to reach an agreement in the short term, the US will have to move on to address other pressing global issues.
The warning from Rubio comes amid growing frustrations in the White House over the lack of progress in resolving a growing list of geopolitical challenges. Despite some positive signs, such as the recent constructive talks in Paris, the US is reaching a point where it must decide whether to continue its efforts or shift focus. The US remains hopeful that the UK, France, and Germany can help move the peace process forward.
The potential abandonment of peace efforts by the US could have significant implications for Ukraine and the broader region. It underscores the importance of both Russia and Ukraine demonstrating a willingness to compromise and work towards a resolution. As the world watches closely, the coming days will be crucial in determining whether peace can be achieved or if the conflict will continue to escalate.