If Russia and Ukraine don't present tangible plans, the United States may withdraw its mediation efforts.
Rewritten Article:
Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned on Tuesday that the United States is growing impatient and ready to withdraw from mediation efforts unless Russia and Ukraine come up with some tangible peace proposals. The tension comes as Donald Trump approaches his 100-day milestone in office.
Trump was optimistic about resolving the conflict quickly in the early days of his presidency, but Rubio indicates that the administration might soon focus on other pressing matters.
Tammy Bruce, State Department spokeswoman, relayed Rubio's message to reporters suggesting that both Russia and Ukraine should put forward concrete proposals for ending the conflict. If there's no progress on finding a solution, the U.S. may withdraw as the mediator in this process.
Russian President Vladimir Putin recently floated a proposal for a three-day ceasefire around Moscow's commemorations next week for the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. However, Putin has rejected a 30-day ceasefire backed by the U.S.
The United States insists on having a complete and enduring ceasefire, rather than simply a temporary peace.
The main question on everyone's minds is whether Rubio is genuinely considering pulling out of negotiations or if he's merely exerting pressure on Russia and Ukraine, especially Russia, which believes it holds an advantage in both the battlefield and diplomacy since Trump's outreach.
US diplomat John Kelley addressed the UN Security Council, suggesting that both sides could benefit from working together based on the framework proposal put forward by the U.S. He condemned Russian strikes on Ukraine, stating that Russia currently has an excellent opportunity to achieve a lasting peace.
Trump has been criticized for his support of Ukraine's predecessor, Joe Biden, and has reached out to Putin following his inauguration, easing tensions amid international isolation imposed since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
Last week, Putin met with Trump's business partner, Steve Witkoff, who has taken on the role of a globe-trotting envoy. In a White House meeting on February 28, Trump accused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky of ingratitude for U.S. weapons, with Vice President JD Vance echoing the sentiment.
Ukraine attempted to mend fences by supporting U.S. diplomatic efforts and pursuing a deal that would give the U.S. control over much of Ukraine's mineral wealth. However, Zelensky has held strong against one element of the U.S. framework—the formal international recognition of Russia's 2014 takeover of Crimea.
Trump has insisted that Ukraine has already lost Crimea and urged Zelensky to surrender it. Speaking at an event in Poland on Tuesday, Zelensky said, "We all want this war to end fairly—no rewards for Putin, especially no territorial gains."
Senator Jeanne Shaheen, the top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, warned that recognizing Russia's illegal annexation of Crimea would encourage further aggression from Moscow and Beijing.
Shaheen emphasized her efforts to support Trump's aim of achieving a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. However, she criticized Trump's team for poorly managing negotiations and offering concessions to Russia, thereby squandering leverage and fracturing the alliance crucial for ending this conflict.
On Tuesday, Ukraine ordered the evacuation of seven villages in the Dnipropetrovsk region, which were previously safe but are now threatened by advancing Russian forces. Russia has been unsuccessful in taking over the region despite years of ongoing battles.
Last week, a ballistic missile struck a residential area in Kyiv, one of the deadliest attacks on the capital since the invasion. Trump, who claims a rapport with Putin, wrote a message on social media, "Vladimir, STOP."
(FRANCE 24 with AFP)
Behind the Scenes: A Deeper Look
Strong words from Rubio might not just be bluff as Russia appears to have a significant advantage on the diplomatic front after Trump's outreach. US diplomat John Kelly called for the implementation of the framework proposal presented by Washington while condemning Russian attacks on Ukraine, claiming a lasting peace was within Russia's grasp.
According to reports, Russian Foreign Secretary Lavrov has already outlined maximalist demands that include Ukraine's non-admission into NATO, international recognition of Russian control over annexed territories, "demilitarization," and "denazification" of Ukraine, the lifting of international sanctions, and the return of frozen Russian assets.
On the other hand, the U.S. has proposed a comprehensive, 30-day ceasefire that could be extended, a proposal that Russia has rejected, citing complications and the need for more nuanced discussions.
- Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned on Tuesday that the United States may withdraw from mediation efforts if Russia and Ukraine do not come up with tangible peace proposals, emphasizing the growing impatience in the administration.
- John Kelley, a US diplomat, addressed the UN Security Council, urging both sides to work together and condemning Russian strikes on Ukraine, suggesting that Russia has a chance to achieve a lasting peace.
- Vladimir Putin, Russian President, has recently floated a proposal for a three-day ceasefire but has rejected a 30-day ceasefire backed by the US, hinting at complications and the need for more nuanced discussions.
- Tammy Bruce, State Department spokeswoman, relayed Rubio's message to reporters, suggesting that both Russia and Ukraine should put forward concrete proposals for ending the conflict, implying that the US may withdraw as a mediator if no progress is made.
- Senator Jeanne Shaheen, the top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, warned that recognizing Russia's illegal annexation of Crimea would encourage further aggression from Moscow and Beijing, criticizing Trump's team for poorly managing negotiations and offering concessions to Russia.
