US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has issued a stark warning that America may abandon its peace efforts in Ukraine within days if no progress is made toward ending the conflict. Speaking in Paris after high-level talks with European, Ukrainian, and Russian officials, Rubio emphasized the urgency of determining whether a resolution is achievable. “We need to determine very quickly now, and I’m talking about a matter of days, whether or not this is doable,” he stated.
The comments follow a series of meetings involving Rubio and special envoy Steve Witkoff, as the Trump administration continues its push to end Russia’s war in Ukraine. Rubio highlighted the administration’s extensive efforts, noting that President Donald Trump has spent 87 days at the highest levels of government working toward a resolution. However, Rubio made it clear that the US is prepared to step back if the situation remains intractable, stating, “It’s not our war. We didn’t start it.”
During the Paris talks, Rubio met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov to present a proposed peace framework, which reportedly received an “encouraging” response. The US Department of State described the framework as a durable and lasting solution, contingent on the commitment of all parties involved.
Rubio’s remarks underscore growing frustration within the White House over the lack of progress in negotiations. While the talks in Paris were described as constructive, Rubio’s tone reflects the administration’s impatience with the slow pace of diplomacy. President Trump has made it clear that ending the war is a priority, but the administration is now questioning whether a resolution is feasible.
The situation remains tense as the US weighs its next steps, with Rubio’s comments signaling a potential shift in America’s approach to the conflict. The coming days will be critical in determining whether peace efforts can move forward or if the US will pivot away from its role in the negotiations.
