US will 'move on' from Ukraine peace talks if no progress soon

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has issued a stark warning that the United States will abandon efforts to broker a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine within days unless there are clear indications that a ceasefire is achievable. "We are not going to keep pursuing this effort for weeks or months," Rubio stated, emphasizing that the US has "other priorities" to focus on.

Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the conflict has seen a series of failed attempts at peace talks. Russia has laid out several conditions for a ceasefire, making any potential peace agreement complex. Despite initial optimism under the Trump administration about quickly reaching a settlement, the US has struggled to facilitate a breakthrough, with both Russia and Ukraine blaming each other for the ongoing deadlock.

Rubio’s warning came after a meeting in Paris with European leaders, where they discussed the possibility of a ceasefire. Speaking to reporters on Friday, Rubio said the US needed to assess whether a truce could realistically be reached in the "next few days." If no progress is made, he signaled that the US would shift its focus elsewhere. While acknowledging that securing peace would be challenging, he underscored the urgency of determining whether a resolution is achievable in the short term. "If it's not going to happen, then we're just going to move on," Rubio stated.

The US Secretary of State’s comments reflect the growing frustration with the ongoing conflict, as well as the geopolitical strain it places on global resources and attention. Although President Donald Trump had previously expressed confidence in his ability to end the war quickly, peace remains elusive. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov responded to Trump's comments, stating that the negotiations are difficult but that Russia is committed to a peace settlement that safeguards its interests.

Meanwhile, the war continues to cause devastation in Ukraine. Russian missile strikes on Friday resulted in the deaths of two people, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who condemned the attacks on the platform X. The ongoing military operations highlight the challenges faced by international negotiators as they try to broker peace amid such violence.

In a separate development, Ukraine and the US have taken steps toward an economic partnership, with the two countries signing a memorandum of intent to establish an investment fund for Ukraine's post-war reconstruction. The deal aims to finalize by April 26 and could include significant investments in Ukraine's mineral sector. Though the details remain unclear, reports have suggested the agreement might extend to controlling Ukraine's energy infrastructure, including oil and gas.

Ukrainian negotiators have been cautious about agreeing to Trump’s proposal for a joint investment fund, which would potentially use the fund to reimburse the US for previous military aid. However, they appear to have accepted that such an agreement could help Ukraine recover once the war ends. The memorandum emphasizes that the "American people desire to invest alongside the Ukrainian people in a free, sovereign, and secure Ukraine."

Ukrainian President Zelensky has expressed concerns about the security implications of a ceasefire deal, insisting that Ukraine cannot afford a truce without concrete security guarantees. However, the US has been reluctant to provide such assurances, arguing that the presence of American businesses in Ukraine would deter further Russian aggression—a strategy that proved ineffective when Russia invaded in 2022.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian Economy Minister Yulia Svyrydenko announced the signing of the investment memorandum, sharing images of the signing ceremony held remotely between her and US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. Svyrydenko expressed optimism that the deal would be beneficial for both countries, although the specifics are still under discussion.

Trump himself hinted at the deal during a press conference with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, revealing that the US and Ukraine were set to sign a minerals deal the following Thursday. However, Ukrainian MP Ivanna Klympush-Tsintsadze emphasized that the Ukrainian parliament would have the "last word" on any such agreement, underscoring the need for it to align with Ukraine’s national interests.

As the US and Ukraine move forward with these negotiations, Russia's temporary moratorium on strikes against Ukrainian energy infrastructure is nearing its expiration. Kremlin spokesperson Peskov confirmed that no new orders from President Putin had been issued regarding a ceasefire. Additionally, Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha met with Rubio and Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, in Paris to discuss potential paths to a "fair and lasting peace," including a full ceasefire, a multinational peacekeeping contingent, and security guarantees for Ukraine.

The evolving situation remains fluid, with much still uncertain about the prospects for peace, both on the battlefield and in diplomatic circles.