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A top US official has indicated that the United States may withdraw from efforts to mediate a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine.
Some shit you should know before you read: If you’re unaware, ceasefire talks between Russia and Ukraine remain at a deadlock, with little meaningful progress despite recent high-level diplomatic efforts. Both sides remain significantly apart on their core demands: Ukraine insists on a full Russian withdrawal from occupied territories and firm security guarantees, including future NATO membership, while Russia demands that Ukraine cede those occupied regions, commit to neutrality, and allow elections in Russian-controlled areas under Moscow’s terms. The growing stalemate has been accompanied by a notable uptick in criticism from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, particularly aimed at US envoy Steve Witkoff. Zelenskyy reportedly expressed frustration over Witkoff’s perceived coziness with Russian officials, accusing him of being “naïve” and “easily manipulated” by Kremlin talking points during recent rounds of negotiations.
What’s going on now: In a notable development following a meeting among US, European, and Ukrainian officials in Paris, Secretary of State Marco Rubio signaled that the United States may soon withdraw from its role in brokering a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine. Speaking to reporters at Le Bourget Airport, Rubio stated, “We are now reaching a point where we need to decide whether this is even possible or not. Because if it’s not, then I think we’re just going to move on.” He added, “It’s not our war. We have other priorities to focus on.”
Rubio noted that the US has spent considerable time trying to forge a path to peace, but warned that the administration is no longer willing to continue engaging in fruitless talks.
More on the talks: According to Rubio, the talks held in Paris were “constructive,” but not enough to warrant continued US involvement if tangible progress remains elusive. He also hinted that another round of talks is scheduled to take place in London next week and alluded that he might not attend if the session turns out to be “just another exercise in talking.”
Meanwhile, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitri Peskov said that peace remains a “complex topic” and reiterated that Russia is open to dialogue but only under conditions that ensure Russia’s national interests. He added that “many difficult discussions lie ahead,” reinforcing Russia’s longstanding demands that Ukraine abandon its bid to join NATO and formally recognize Russian control over occupied territories.
