Trump mulls pivot from Ukraine to new priorities: Axios
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In a private, informal discussion with Rubio and Witkoff, Trump floated the idea of pivoting away from the Russia-Ukraine peace push to focus on other global priorities, a senior US official confirmed to Axios.
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President Donald Trump listens during a swearing-in ceremony for Dr. Mehmet Oz to be Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, in the Oval Office of the White House, on Friday, April 18, 2025, in Washington. (AP)
In the days leading up to a significant policy shift, US President Donald Trump privately expressed deep dissatisfaction with the lack of progress in the Russia-Ukraine peace negotiations, Axios reported, citing officials familiar with the matter.
Having previously pledged to broker a peace deal within 24 hours of taking office, Trump voiced his frustration publicly on Friday, stating he was nearly ready to abandon the effort. While stopping short of setting a deadline or outlining specific steps, his remarks indicated growing impatience.
“If either side continues to block a deal, we’re just going to say, ‘You’re foolish, you’re fools, you’re horrible people,’ and we’re going to just take a pass,” Trump said.
Rubio and Witkoff channel pressure in Paris meetings
Behind the scenes, Trump had floated the idea of shifting US foreign policy focus during an informal discussion with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and diplomatic envoy Steve Witkoff, a senior US official confirmed.
By Friday, Rubio’s statements reflected this evolving position. “We need to figure out ... within a matter of days, whether this is doable in the short term. If it’s not, then I think we’re just going to move on,” he said.
Rubio communicated Trump’s frustrations directly to French, British, German, and Ukrainian officials during a round of high-stakes peace meetings in Paris on Thursday. While Rubio was vague on the specifics of a potential withdrawal, his message underscored Washington’s desire for rapid progress.
US considers withdrawing from peace talks
According to State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce, Rubio reaffirmed to NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte that if a clear path to peace did not emerge soon, the United States would step back from its mediation role.
Several European diplomats interpreted Rubio’s comments as signaling that the US might soon disengage from its role in facilitating the Russia-Ukraine peace talks. Two diplomats emphasized that Trump’s tolerance for delays was nearing its limit.
“The impression was that Rubio and Witkoff are under a lot of pressure from Trump, and they are channeling it to the other players,” one diplomat said as quoted by Axios.
European concerns and implications for Ukraine's aid
Diplomats present at the Paris meetings noted that Rubio's message seemed chiefly directed at Ukraine. A source close to the Ukrainian government echoed this sentiment, expressing concern that a potential US withdrawal could jeopardize military aid.
Diplomats noted that Rubio made no mention of increasing pressure on Russia during the discussions.
While Trump’s rhetoric has grown more forceful, the US remains engaged in the negotiation process. During Thursday’s meetings, Rubio and Witkoff presented a proposed framework for ending the conflict and are now awaiting responses from both Kiev and Moscow.
