PARIS, April 18 – The United States is considering a sharp shift in its approach to the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, as Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned that President Donald Trump may pull out of the current peace negotiations if there is no tangible progress “within a matter of days.” The remarks, delivered following high-level meetings in Paris, underscore growing frustration within the White House over stalled diplomatic efforts and a lack of meaningful concessions from Moscow.
A Ticking Clock for Peace
Rubio, speaking to reporters after a closed-door session with European and Ukrainian officials, emphasized the urgency of the situation. “We’re not going to let this process drag on endlessly,” he said. “We’re now at a point where we need to determine, in the very short term and I mean days — if a resolution is possible. If not, the President is ready to walk away.”
His blunt message marked a clear turning point in Washington’s stance, signaling that patience may be wearing thin as the war continues with no definitive end in sight. Despite some signs of diplomatic progress, the administration appears prepared to reassess its role as a mediator in what has become one of the most complex geopolitical crises of the decade.
Signals of Stalled Progress
Although American efforts have helped bring Kyiv and Moscow to the negotiating table on multiple occasions, major breakthroughs have remained elusive. A partial ceasefire was secured during previous discussions hosted in Saudi Arabia, but violence on the ground has continued. A recent Russian missile strike in the northeastern Ukrainian city of Sumy left 35 civilians dead — an incident President Trump labeled a “mistake,” further complicating the already fragile dialogue.
Officials familiar with the talks suggest that Russia’s reluctance to compromise and Ukraine’s refusal to cede any territory have made a peace agreement increasingly difficult to imagine. While some Ukrainian officials described the Paris talks as “constructive,” there is little to suggest a comprehensive settlement is close.
Trump’s Campaign Promise Meets Reality
President Trump, who had campaigned on a bold promise to end the Ukraine war within 24 hours of taking office, has faced mounting challenges since assuming the presidency. Initially confident in his ability to broker a deal, Trump has since acknowledged the complex web of demands and conditions involved, shifting his timeline and expectations.
While he has continued to pressure both sides toward negotiation, he has also made clear that the U.S. will not sustain its role indefinitely without results. According to Rubio, further delays could push Trump to consider cutting military and financial support to Ukraine — a move that would significantly weaken Kyiv’s position both on the battlefield and at the negotiating table.
A Contentious Oval Office Meeting
Earlier this year, a high-stakes meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and U.S. Vice President JD Vance reportedly ended in tension, with both leaders disagreeing over key terms. That disagreement contributed to the collapse of a U.S-Ukraine minerals agreement initially set for February. However, Trump recently stated he expects to finalize a version of that deal as early as next week.
During his visit to Rome, where he met with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Vice President Vance shared a cautiously hopeful outlook on the ongoing developments. “We believe a solution is possible,” Vance said. “But it will take bold decisions from all sides.”
Europe’s Role in the Process
While the United States has taken the lead in recent peace initiatives, European nations have also played a central role, particularly in enforcing sanctions against Russia. Rubio acknowledged that European support would be vital in securing any eventual peace pact, noting that lifting sanctions might become part of a broader settlement.
“The Europeans have leverage here,” Rubio said. “Their cooperation is essential, particularly if any deal requires them to modify or remove sanctions as part of a broader compromise.”
He further acknowledged that U.S. security assurances for Ukraine were brought up during the discussions held in Paris. “We think we can craft something that’s acceptable to all parties,” he said, while admitting that many critical hurdles remain.
A Difficult Road Ahead
One of the central challenges remains the wide gap between the demands of Russia and the conditions Ukraine is willing to accept. Russian President Vladimir Putin has insisted on Ukraine dropping its aspirations to join NATO, recognizing Russian control over four regions currently occupied by Moscow, and drastically reducing the size of Ukraine’s military. For Kyiv, these are non-starters.
“These aren’t negotiation points — they’re demands for surrender,” a Ukrainian official said under condition of anonymity. “There can be no peace based on capitulation.”
Rubio echoed similar sentiments, acknowledging that while Washington remains committed to pursuing peace, it cannot force an agreement where none is realistically possible.
The Path Forward
While the outcome remains uncertain, what is clear is that the clock is ticking. Washington’s influence remains one of the few forces capable of bringing both sides to the table, but even that leverage has limits. Without swift movement toward a workable agreement, the Trump administration may choose to redirect its focus elsewhere.
“We have to be honest with ourselves,” Rubio concluded. “If there’s no realistic path forward in the immediate future, then we’ll have to step back and let others try. The President won’t continue indefinitely without seeing results.”
As time runs out, all eyes will be on Kyiv and Moscow — and whether they can offer enough progress to keep the U.S. engaged in one of the world’s most critical diplomatic challenges.