**US Steps Back as Mediator in Ukraine Conflict, But Remains Committed to Peace Efforts**
The United States has decided to scale back its direct role as mediator in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. According to State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce, this shift is a result of the US government’s decision to focus on other pressing global issues.
“We are not going to fly around the world at the drop of a hat to mediate meetings; that is now between the two parties, and now is the time that they need to present and develop concrete ideas about how this conflict is going to end,” Bruce said in a press briefing on May 1.
This significant change in Washington’s approach comes after months of stalled diplomacy aimed at brokering a ceasefire in Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine. The US had previously warned that it would withdraw from mediation efforts if no meaningful progress was made. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and President Donald Trump had both expressed their frustration with the lack of progress, with Trump even suggesting that the US might “take a pass” on mediating.
**US Will Not Be the Mediators Anymore**
The shift in approach is reflected in the words of Vice President JD Vance, who told Fox News that the war in Ukraine is unlikely to end “any time soon.” According to Vance, it’s now up to Russia and Ukraine to come to an agreement on peace terms.
“It’s going to be up to them to come to an agreement and stop this brutal, brutal conflict,” Vance said.
The US had intensified its diplomatic outreach earlier this year, including negotiating proposals for a 30-day ceasefire and partial truces aimed at halting attacks on civilian energy infrastructure. However, Moscow has rejected these initiatives, and Russian forces have continued to launch strikes across Ukraine.
**Consequences for Russia**
In response to the recent missile attack on Kyiv, which killed at least 12 civilians and injured 87, President Trump criticized the attack as “not necessary” and “very bad timing.” While he refrained from issuing any consequences or condemnation, Republican Senator Lindsey Graham has threatened that at least 72 senators are ready to vote for sweeping new sanctions and tariffs against Russia should Putin continue to avoid serious peace negotiations.
The US will remain engaged in the peace process, but its role as mediator is coming to an end. As Bruce said, “We will not be the mediators anymore.”
