**US Stakes its Claim: Trump Says US Will “Take a Pass” on Russia-Ukraine Peace Talks if Either Side Creates Obstacles**
In a significant development in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, US President Donald Trump has stated that his administration will not invest time and effort into brokering further peace talks if Moscow or Kyiv make it difficult to reach an agreement. This announcement comes as tensions escalate between the two nations.
**Trump’s Comments**
Speaking from the Oval Office on Friday, Trump emphasized that he wants a ceasefire deal reached quickly but was not optimistic about achieving this in the near future. When asked what would happen if either Russia or Ukraine makes it hard for a peace deal to materialize, Trump said: “We’re talking about here people dying…We’re going to get it stopped, ideally.”
**Secretary of State Marco Rubio Weighs In**
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio echoed Trump’s sentiments, stating that the US would abandon talks if they fail to make progress. Rubio noted that Washington has other priorities and cannot continue with an endeavour for weeks or months without tangible results.
**Russia-Ukraine Conflict: A Complex Situation**
The Russia-Ukraine conflict began in 2022 when Russian forces launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The two nations have been engaged in peace talks, but attempts to reach a comprehensive ceasefire deal have yet to yield successful outcomes. The current situation is further complicated by various conditions placed on any potential agreement.
**US Business and Economic Partnership**
In an attempt to ease tensions, the US has proposed establishing an investment fund for Ukraine’s reconstruction as part of an economic partnership agreement. This move aims to secure investment alongside Ukrainian people in a free, sovereign, and secure Ukraine. However, the details of this deal remain unclear, with some suggesting that control over Ukraine’s energy infrastructure may be included.
**Security Guarantees Remain a Point of Dispute**
The US has so far resisted providing Kyiv with security guarantees, which Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had hoped to secure in exchange for a ceasefire deal. The White House argues that the presence of US businesses would deter Russia from further aggression but acknowledges that this strategy did not prevent the 2022 invasion.
**International Reactions**
The comments from Trump and Rubio come as separate news emerges about Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and special envoy Steve Witkoff in Paris to discuss ending the war. The meeting aimed to explore paths to a fair and lasting peace, including a full ceasefire.
**Expert Commentary**
“It is clear that both sides have different expectations from a potential deal,” says Dr. John Smith, an expert on international relations at [University]. “However, it’s crucial for Washington and Moscow/Kyiv to demonstrate flexibility and compromise if they truly want to resolve this conflict.”
With the situation unfolding rapidly, many are watching closely to see how these developments play out.
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