US Threatens to Abandon Ukraine Peace Talks

US President Donald Trump has stated that the US will "take a pass" on brokering further Russia-Ukraine peace talks if either side makes it difficult to reach a deal, with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also warning that the US will abandon talks unless there is clear progress within days. Russia's invasion of Ukraine continues, with recent strikes killing two and injuring over 100 in the north-eastern cities of Kharkiv and Sumy. The US and Ukraine have signed a memorandum of intent on a minerals deal as part of an economic partnership agreement, aiming to finalize it by April 26, despite concerns over the terms and Ukraine's security guarantees.

US Senator Marco Rubio said the Trump administration may "move on" from efforts to secure a Russia-Ukraine peace deal if there is no progress soon, stating "it's not our war" and that the US has "other priorities to focus on." Rubio's comments came after months of White House efforts to end the fighting failed to yield results, despite a recent meeting in Paris where US, Ukrainian, and European officials made some progress. A new meeting is expected next week in London, which Rubio suggested could be decisive in determining the administration's continued involvement. Rubio's remarks contrast with those of the previous administration, which warned of Russia's intentions to expand its influence and territory. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has also expressed concerns about Russia's goals, warning that Putin's ultimate aim is to revive the Russian empire and reclaim territories currently under NATO protection.

The Trump administration is ready to recognize Russian control of Crimea as part of a US proposal to end the war with Ukraine, according to a source familiar with the framework. The proposal, shared with Europeans and Ukrainians in Paris and communicated to Russia via a phone call between US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, also includes a ceasefire along the conflict's front lines. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has previously stated that recognizing occupied territories as Russian is a "red line" for his government. The US plans to work with Europeans and Ukrainians to finalize the framework and is also planning another meeting with the Russians to get Moscow on board.

President Donald Trump stated that the US will abandon peace efforts for Ukraine if Russia is not serious about agreeing to ceasefire terms, saying "we're just going to take a pass" if one party makes it difficult. Trump's comments echoed those of Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and others, who indicated that the US is willing to move on if no progress is made. Ukraine has agreed to ceasefire proposals, but Russia has delayed an agreement. Trump previously threatened to impose tariffs on Russian oil if Russia is deemed at fault for the ongoing conflict.

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a unilateral Easter ceasefire in Ukraine, ordering his forces to stop all military activities from 6pm Moscow time on Saturday until midnight on Sunday. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky responded skeptically, accusing Putin of trying to "play with human lives" as air raid alerts continued across Ukraine. The announcement comes as US President Donald Trump has been pressing both Kyiv and Moscow to agree to a peace deal. Earlier on Saturday, Russia and Ukraine held a large prisoner of war exchange, with each side handing back more than 240 prisoners. Russia's military chief also claimed that Russian troops had retaken over 99% of territory seized by Ukraine in the Kursk region.

US Senator Marco Rubio's comments indicate growing frustration from the Donald Trump administration over the lack of progress in peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, initiated two months ago. Despite multiple meetings, agreements on ceasefires have not materialized, with both sides accusing each other of violations. Trump's team has been criticized for being too soft on Russia, and Rubio's threat to "move on" from talks may be a negotiating tactic. Russia is unlikely to be concerned about the threat as long as the US continues to pursue rebuilding diplomatic relations with the Kremlin.

US President Donald Trump has threatened to "take a pass" on attempts to secure a peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia, citing a lack of "enthusiasm" from both sides. The US has been trying to broker a ceasefire, but negotiations have made little progress, with both sides accusing each other of breaching a 30-day moratorium on striking energy infrastructure targets. Trump's Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, said the White House is prepared to "move on" if a deal is not reached soon. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said Russian President Vladimir Putin is not serious about ending the war.

Many Russians initially welcomed Donald Trump's election, hoping he could negotiate a peace deal in Ukraine that would satisfy the Kremlin. However, three months into Trump's second term, disappointment is growing in Moscow due to Trump's whirlwind approach to talks and Russian President Vladimir Putin's inflexibility. Putin remains committed to his demands, including Ukraine's withdrawal from certain territories and a guarantee not to join NATO. Despite warnings from Trump and his top diplomat, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, that the US could walk away from talks, the Kremlin remains unhurried, with some Russians expressing frustration and others believing that Putin is using the negotiations to achieve his broader goals. The impasse has led some to fear a further escalation of fighting, while others believe that a compromise remains possible despite the challenges.

Russian President Vladimir Putin declared an "Easter truce" in Ukraine, ordering his forces to stop all military activity from Saturday evening to Sunday, in a move seen as an attempt to show the Trump administration that Moscow is open to peace talks. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky responded cautiously, saying Ukraine would abide by the truce if Russia did, but also warning that Ukraine would continue to defend itself if Russia kept fighting. Despite the ceasefire, air-raid sirens sounded in Kyiv and Ukrainian officials reported continued Russian attacks, with Zelensky stating that Russian assaults continued in several areas. The Ukrainian government expressed skepticism about Putin's intentions, with Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha saying "we will look at actions, not words." The move comes as the Trump administration has expressed impatience with Russia's unwillingness to agree to a 30-day ceasefire, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio saying the US could "move on" from trying to end the war in a matter of days.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered a one-day "Easter truce" in the Ukraine war, instructing his forces to cease military activity from Saturday evening to Sunday, in a move seen as an attempt to show the Trump administration that Moscow is open to peace talks. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was skeptical, calling it "Putin's next attempt to play with people's lives," and did not confirm whether Ukraine would observe the truce. The announcement came as the Trump administration expressed impatience with Russia's unwillingness to agree to a cease-fire, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio saying the US could "move on" from trying to end the war.

Ukraine is ramping up its production of artillery, including the Bohdana howitzer, to become more self-sufficient in arms amid uncertainty over future US support, with European allies directly investing in Ukrainian-made howitzers.