Trump signals exit from talks if Ukraine ceasefire doesn't happen fast
3 Min Read
Trump dismissed speculation that Russia is taking advantage of the US in these negotiations. "Nobody's playing anybody.
-
President Donald Trump speaks with reporters 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, Friday, April 18, 2025, in Washington, US (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
US President Donald Trump on Friday called for a rapid ceasefire agreement between Russia and Ukraine, underscoring rising frustration within his administration over what officials see as stalled and unproductive negotiations.
His remarks came shortly after Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued a warning that the United States may pull out of the peace process if progress remains elusive.
"Yeah, very short," Trump said when asked to clarify expectations around a ceasefire timeline. "No specific number of days, but quickly. We want to get it done," he added, expressing confidence that a deal may be imminent.
Rubio had earlier stated that talks cannot continue indefinitely without clear signs of commitment from both Kiev and Moscow. "Move on," he said, referring to Washington's potential exit from its role as mediator if neither side shows good faith.
The urgency comes amid mounting pressure on US negotiators following the collapse of a temporary 30-day ceasefire earlier this month. Since its expiration, Russia and Ukraine have resumed strikes, sparking renewed tensions and undermining earlier diplomatic gains. The situation was further complicated by a recent round of talks in Paris, which failed to produce substantial agreements despite involvement from US, European, and Ukrainian officials.
Trump dismissed speculation that Russia is taking advantage of the US in these negotiations. "Nobody's playing anybody. We are going to see if we can get it [ceasefire] done. I think we have a really good chance of getting it done, and it's coming to a head right now," he told reporters.
He declined to confirm whether US arms support to Ukraine would continue if the US were to step back from the peace talks. "I am not going to say that, because I think we're going to get it done," he said.
Stalled Diplomacy
US officials have grown increasingly concerned that both sides are entrenching their positions. Russian President Vladimir Putin has laid out stringent demands, including Ukraine's withdrawal from annexed territories and a pledge to never join NATO—conditions Kiev has outright rejected.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, meanwhile, has insisted on the restoration of all Ukrainian territory and has publicly criticized US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff for allegedly favoring Russian narratives.
Secretary Rubio's warning reflects the growing view within the Trump administration that the US cannot continue to serve as an intermediary if neither party is seriously engaging.
"We are not going to provide political cover for a process that leads nowhere," Rubio told reporters earlier this week.
