Trump Threatens to Exit Ukraine Peace Talks
On April 19, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that the U.S. might step back from mediating peace talks between Russia and Ukraine if either side makes it too hard to reach an agreement. Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump said he doesn’t expect a ceasefire soon but wants it resolved quickly. He noted, “People are dying, and we need to stop it. But if one side causes trouble, we’ll walk away.”
This came after U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned that the U.S. would end efforts unless progress is seen within days. Rubio stressed that the U.S. has other priorities and won’t drag out talks for months. Meanwhile, Russia’s ongoing attacks on Ukraine killed two and injured over 100 in the cities of Kharkiv and Sumy on Friday. Russia began its invasion in 2022 and has been slowly advancing in eastern Ukraine.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has set conditions for any peace deal, while Trump’s direct talks with Putin and criticism of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky have worried NATO allies, who believe supporting Ukraine is crucial.
Trump had promised to end the war within 24 hours of taking office but admitted a deal is challenging. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said negotiations are tough but Russia is open to dialogue to protect its interests. U.S. Vice-President JD Vance, after meeting Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in Rome, remained hopeful about ending the conflict, citing recent talks.
Separately, Ukraine and the U.S. signed a preliminary agreement on Thursday to create an investment fund for Ukraine’s rebuilding, aiming to finalize it by April 26. The deal, which started as a minerals agreement but now includes energy and oil, follows a heated meeting between Trump and Zelensky. Ukraine resisted Trump’s demand for repayment of past U.S. military aid but agreed it could aid recovery. The U.S. hopes its business presence will deter Russia, though this failed in 2022.
Ukrainian Economy Minister Yulia Svyrydenko and U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent signed the memo online, with details still being finalized. Trump hinted at the deal’s progress, while Ukrainian MP Ivanna Klympush-Tsintsadze said parliament will have the final say, ensuring it benefits Ukraine. Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha met U.S. officials in Paris to discuss a fair peace, including a ceasefire and security guarantees, though the U.S. has not committed to these.
Highlights
Trump warned the U.S. may quit Russia-Ukraine peace talks if no progress is made.
Russian attacks on Kharkiv and Sumy killed 2 and injured over 100.
U.S. and Ukraine signed a preliminary deal to fund Ukraine’s rebuilding.
Ukraine rejected Trump’s demand to repay past U.S. military aid
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