US President Donald Trump has expressed cautious optimism about the prospects of a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine while warning that he may withdraw American mediation if they "continue to be foolish and fight."

In an interview aired on NBC News’ Meet the Press, Trump revealed that the United States is "closer to one of the two sides" in the Russia–Ukraine war, though he did not disclose which one. He emphasized Washington's active role in mediation, saying, “There are times when I come close to pulling out, and then something positive happens.”

During the interview, Trump confirmed a new agreement with Ukraine involving rare metals, calling it a “good deal for the American people.”

He used the moment to criticize former US President Joe Biden, accusing him of “throwing away” $350 billion in aid without oversight. “Europe is paying a third of what we are paying. Yet the war is more important to them,” he said.

On the other hand, an analysis published on the South China Morning Post on Sunday warned that a recent US-Ukraine critical minerals deal is unlikely to offer Washington a quick solution to its dependence on China for rare earth elements and other strategic resources. 

Much of Ukraine's critical mineral reserves are located in areas currently under Russian rule, while untapped deposits elsewhere will require years to develop.

Putin under pressure: Trump says only he can influence Kremlin

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When asked about the future of Ukrainian territories Russia controls, Trump responded unequivocally, “Russia would have to give up all of Ukraine. Because that’s what it wants, the whole Ukraine. It doesn’t just want the strip it has now," reneging on his previous statements that Ukraine should concede the territories Russia had seized to reach a deal. 

He described himself as the only leader capable of applying real pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin. “European leaders are begging me to call him, because he doesn’t even answer them,” Trump said, adding, “If it wasn’t for me, Putin would have taken over all of Ukraine.”

Though he suggested that Putin may be using delay tactics, Trump dismissed the idea that he had been misled, saying, “I will tell you in two weeks or a month.”

Trump also accused Biden of mismanaging the Russia-Ukraine conflict, claiming, “In three years, he never called him once.” He reiterated his frequent assertion that the war would not have started if he were in office.

Referring to battlefield imagery, Trump added, “If I can save 5,000 lives a week, that’s what I want to do. Russians or Ukrainians, I want to save them.”

Sanctions or peace, but no more delays

Asked whether he supports new sanctions against Russia, such as those proposed by Senator Lindsey Graham, Trump said, “It depends if Russia acts like they want peace.”

He did not rule out ending US participation in mediation talks, adding, “There will come a time when I will say ‘OK, keep being stupid and keep fighting.’”

I very much appreciate @POTUS @realDonaldTrump and his team working diligently to end the war in Ukraine — that was created by Putin’s barbaric invasion — in an honorable and just way.

As to additional sanctions on Putin’s Russia, I have bipartisan legislation with almost 60… pic.twitter.com/pB55pN1JBM

— Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) April 26, 2025

In a recent X post, Graham stated, "As to additional sanctions on Putin’s Russia, I have bipartisan legislation with almost 60 cosponsors that would put secondary tariffs on any country that purchases Russian oil, gas, uranium or other products."

When Trump was questioned about the potential end of US military and intelligence support to Ukraine in the event of a withdrawal from negotiations, Trump declined to elaborate. “It’s too early to enter into that conversation,” he said.