The United States may withdraw from its role as chief mediator in the Russia-Ukraine conflict unless meaningful progress toward peace is made in the coming days, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned on Friday.
Speaking after high-level talks in Paris with European and Ukrainian leaders, Rubio delivered a stark ultimatum: “We’re not going to drag this out for weeks or months. We need to know, within days, if there’s a real path forward.”
The warning underscores mounting frustration in the Trump administration, as hopes for a swift resolution to the war—one of Donald Trump’s campaign promises—clash with the reality of entrenched positions on both sides.
Frustration Grows Amid Fragile Progress
Three European diplomatic sources told Reuters that Rubio’s remarks echoed White House dissatisfaction with Russia’s hardened stance. While minor advances have been made—including a partial ceasefire agreement brokered in Saudi Arabia—ongoing violence continues. A recent Russian missile strike on Sumy, which killed 35 civilians, further dampened hopes.
Still, signs of progress emerged this week: Rubio said a U.S. peace framework received an “encouraging reception” from European partners, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy’s office described the talks as “constructive.”
Trump Sets the Clock
President Trump, who originally pledged to end the war within 24 hours of taking office, has since extended his timeline. He now seeks resolution by late spring and has hinted at tough consequences—including halting U.S. aid to Ukraine—if talks falter.
Vice President JD Vance, speaking from Rome, expressed optimism: “The U.S. can still help end this brutal war.” He also announced a new minerals deal with Kyiv is expected next week—one that collapsed earlier due to a fiery Oval Office dispute between Vance and Zelenskiy.
Russia’s Demands and Europe’s Dilemma
Russia, meanwhile, insists Ukraine must abandon its NATO ambitions, recognize Russian control over four occupied regions, and demilitarize. Ukraine calls these demands unacceptable and tantamount to surrender.
Rubio noted Europe’s crucial role in any eventual agreement, particularly regarding sanctions. “European sanctions are leverage. Lifting them may be necessary to secure peace,” he said. The talks also broached the topic of U.S. security guarantees for Ukraine—a contentious point that Rubio claimed was “fixable.”
But absent fast movement, the U.S. may walk away. “If this isn’t doable now, then we’re not going to waste time. We’ll move on,” Rubio concluded.