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Paris — U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated on Friday that the United States may reconsider its efforts to achieve a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine if substantial progress is not made in the upcoming days. Despite extensive attempts by the White House over the past months, a resolution to the conflict remains elusive, a stark contrast to former President Trump’s pre-inauguration promises to leverage his negotiation skills to promptly end the war.
Speaking in Paris, Rubio highlighted the outcomes of crucial discussions involving U.S., Ukrainian, and European officials, which appeared to signify a small but essential step forward in peace negotiations. A subsequent meeting is anticipated next week in London, and Rubio mentioned this session could be crucial in determining the trajectory of U.S. involvement moving forward.
“We are now reaching a point where we need to decide whether this is even possible or not,” Rubio stated to reporters. “If it’s not, then I think we’re just going to move on.”
Emphasizing the need for the U.S. to concentrate on its own priorities, Rubio remarked, “It’s not our war.” He expressed a desire to finalize a decision “in a matter of days.”
This perspective stands in contrast to the Biden administration’s stance, articulated by former Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who has underscored that Russian President Vladimir Putin is intent on expanding his influence, echoing the strategic ambitions reminiscent of the Soviet era. Blinken warned that Putin seeks not only to reconstitute a Soviet-like empire but also to undermine the post-World War II security frameworks in Europe, largely anchored by NATO.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has consistently warned of Putin’s ambitions, stating in various interviews that the Russian leader aims to forcibly enlarge the Russian territory at the expense of neighboring countries. Zelenskyy articulated his concerns regarding NATO’s unity and the implications for U.S. involvement should the conflict escalate further.
“For him, we are a satellite of the Russian Federation. At the moment, it’s us, then Kazakhstan, then the Baltic states, then Poland, then Germany,” Zelenskyy articulated in a previous interview. “This aggression… can come to Europe, and then the citizens of the United States will have to protect Europe because they’re NATO members.”
Zelenskyy has characterized Russia’s invasion as an attack on democracy itself, pleading for international solidarity against the encroaching threat. He has cautioned that without a firm commitment from Western nations, Russia’s advances could escalate into broader conflict. “If we do not stand firm, he will advance further,” he reiterated, emphasizing the seriousness of the ongoing threat.
Trump announces “minerals deal” with Ukraine
Rubio’s remarks coincided with reports that the U.S. and Ukraine are on the verge of finalizing a significant deal regarding Ukraine’s mineral resources, a development linked to Trump’s diplomatic efforts. “We have a minerals deal,” Trump proclaimed, as Ukrainian Economy Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko confirmed the signing of a memorandum of intent, aiming to establish a more comprehensive agreement in the future.
This minerals deal is poised to facilitate substantial investments in Ukraine, aiming for infrastructure improvements and ongoing collaboration. Efforts to advance this deal had stalled earlier this year following a challenging Oval Office meeting involving Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and Zelenskyy, but negotiations have since resumed.
Rubio’s commentary on dialogue with Russia and Europe
Despite a noted impatience concerning peace negotiations, Rubio described the Paris discussions as constructive, asserting that no parties withdrew from negotiations and that all participants remained engaged in dialogue. He did not specifically identify who might be hindering the peace process, indicating only that he had spoken with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov about the emerging outlines.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov responded to Rubio’s comments, stating that complex negotiations between the U.S. and Russia are underway. He did not elaborate on specifics but affirmed Russia’s readiness to engage in dialogue to resolve the conflict. The Kremlin reiterated that it views Ukraine’s actions and NATO’s expansion as central to the roots of the conflict, a narrative that has been echoed by Trump.
In discussions with European officials, Rubio acknowledged the crucial role played by European negotiators, signaling the collaborative nature of ongoing efforts. Concurrently, Vice President JD Vance expressed optimism about the negotiations with Ukraine and Russia during a meeting in Rome, though there remains concern regarding Trump’s inclination to align closer with Russia.
As peace talks unfold, Rubio and presidential envoy Steve Witkoff have been at the forefront of peace initiatives, with Witkoff having engaged in multiple discussions with Putin. However, Moscow has consistently resisted calls for a comprehensive ceasefire, conditioning any agreement upon Ukraine ceasing mobilization and halting Western arms supplies—terms Ukraine has categorically rejected.
Continued Russian attacks impact Ukraine
While diplomatic efforts progress, the reality for Ukraine remains grim, with ongoing Russian strikes causing civilian casualties. Recent attacks have resulted in injuries to many, including children, as missiles struck populated areas such as Kharkiv, and a bakery in Sumy was hit soon after a deadly missile strike during Palm Sunday celebrations.
The situation is dire, with reports confirming that just days ago, a missile attack in Sumy resulted in at least 34 fatalities, illustrating the harsh consequences of the conflict as it continua. As the war presses on, the international community grapples with the urgent need for a peaceful resolution, even as the barriers to achieving that peace remain daunting.
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