Trump Warns U.S. Could Walk Away from Russia-Ukraine Peace Deal if Progress Stalls
April 19, 2025 | By [REJUAN RATUL]
In a move that could reshape global diplomatic efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war, former President Donald Trump stated this week that the United States might abandon its role in brokering a peace deal if significant progress is not made soon. The comments come amid a new round of fragile negotiations taking place in Paris, where American, European, and Ukrainian officials are meeting in an attempt to find a path to ceasefire and potential resolution.
Trump, the presumptive Republican nominee for the 2024 U.S. presidential election, made the remarks during a press briefing, indicating his administration, if re-elected, would not continue engaging in a process that, in his words, “goes nowhere.”
“If a deal can't be done quickly — one that works for everyone involved — then frankly, the U.S. has better things to do than to waste time in endless talks,” Trump said. “We’ll walk away.”
His comments were met with mixed reactions. While some see it as a tough negotiating tactic reminiscent of Trump’s self-proclaimed “art of the deal” approach, others fear that such a withdrawal could destabilize fragile diplomatic efforts and embolden Moscow.
Peace Talks Without Russia
One of the major challenges facing the current talks is the absence of Russia from the negotiating table. Although the meetings in Paris include the United States, European Union representatives, and the Ukrainian government, Russian officials have not yet agreed to direct participation. This has limited the effectiveness of the talks, which were intended to lay the groundwork for a broader peace summit later this year.
Nevertheless, sources close to the negotiations report that some radical ideas have been floated behind closed doors, including proposals that would involve Ukraine accepting a “frozen conflict” in exchange for security guarantees and economic support from the West. Such an arrangement might include Kyiv suspending its NATO ambitions and acknowledging Russia’s de facto control over currently occupied territories — terms likely to be deeply unpopular both domestically and internationally.
Rubio and the Diplomatic Clock
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has echoed Trump’s frustration, warning that a decision about America's continued involvement will come soon. Speaking to reporters, Rubio emphasized the need for real progress, not just symbolic gestures.
“We are not interested in being part of a process that allows either side to buy time or avoid difficult decisions,” he said. “We're looking for results — and we’re looking now.”
Rubio has reportedly been in close communication with both Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and NATO allies in recent days, urging stronger commitments to meaningful dialogue while simultaneously pressuring Moscow through existing sanctions and diplomatic channels.
Russian Aggression Continues
Despite ongoing diplomatic overtures, the violence on the ground has not abated. Russia continues to launch missile strikes on Ukrainian cities, with recent reports of civilian casualties in Kharkiv and Sumy. Ukrainian forces remain engaged in heavy fighting in eastern and southern regions, and neither side appears ready to declare a ceasefire.
These developments have complicated the U.S. position. While Ukraine seeks continued military and financial support, public and political fatigue over the prolonged conflict is growing in Western capitals. Trump’s warning to walk away may resonate with a segment of the American electorate eager to see U.S. involvement abroad reduced.
Critics Warn of Risks
Critics of Trump’s stance argue that abandoning the peace process could have grave consequences. “If the U.S. pulls out, we risk a collapse of the only meaningful diplomatic channel left,” said Fiona Hill, a former National Security Council official. “It’s not just about Ukraine. It’s about maintaining U.S. credibility as a global mediator.”
Others suggest Trump’s approach could be a pressure tactic designed to accelerate concessions from both Ukraine and Europe. Still, with Moscow’s reluctance to negotiate and Kyiv’s unwillingness to compromise on sovereignty, the road ahead looks uncertain.
What Comes Next?
The coming days are likely to be decisive. U.S. officials have said a reassessment of their involvement will be made shortly, depending on how the talks evolve. Meanwhile, the world watches closely — not only to see whether a breakthrough can be achieved, but also how U.S. foreign policy might shift in the face of a potential Trump return to the White House.
Whether Trump's statement is a negotiating bluff or a genuine pivot in U.S. policy remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that the war in Ukraine continues to test the limits of diplomacy — and America’s patience.
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