U.S. President Donald Trump warned Friday that the United States would withdraw from Ukraine peace negotiations if either Russia or Ukraine continues obstructing a ceasefire, according to reports in Politico and other U.S. media outlets.
Key Developments:
Direct Threat from Trump
Told reporters: "If either side makes this too difficult (to stop the war), we'll say: 'You're fools. You're terrible.' And we'll walk away."
Aligned with similar remarks by Secretary of State Marco Rubio earlier in the day
Rubio's Ultimatum
U.S. will disengage from peace efforts unless "clear path to peace" emerges soon
No distinction made between Russian or Ukrainian obstruction
Diplomatic Activity
Secretary Rubio held call Thursday with Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov
Discussed U.S. peace proposals presented recently in Paris
U.S. envoys currently in Paris for talks:
Mideast envoy Steve Witkoff
Ukraine envoy Keith Kellogg
Context:
Conflict enters fourth year (began February 2022)
Paris talks aim to establish "lasting peace" framework
U.S. maintains pressure on both sides despite Trump's frustration
Notable Quotes:
"He (Rubio) is right that if either side keeps blocking the ceasefire process, the U.S. will step back from peace deal efforts."
— President Trump to Politico