The United States has issued a warning that it may withdraw from ongoing Ukraine peace talks unless significant progress is made within the coming days, as Russian forces continue to launch attacks on civilian infrastructure and residential areas across Ukraine.
Speaking in Paris following meetings with European and Ukrainian officials, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that Washington’s involvement in the negotiations could come to an abrupt end unless signs of a breakthrough emerge imminently.
“We’re not going to continue with this endeavour for weeks and months on end,” Rubio said. “We need to determine very quickly now – and I’m talking about a matter of days – whether or not this is doable in the next few weeks. If it is, we’re in. If it’s not, then we have other priorities to focus on as well.”
Rubio’s remarks mark a notable shift in Washington’s tone, suggesting growing impatience with the pace and substance of the peace process. The talks, which have been underway in various forms for several months, are being held against a backdrop of sustained military escalation by Russia.
Hours before Rubio’s comments, the Kremlin claimed that “progress” had been achieved in the discussions, though no details were provided. Russian media reported that Moscow continues to seek a set of security guarantees, recognition of territorial gains, and limitations on Ukraine’s military cooperation with NATO.
Despite these statements, Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities continued overnight into Friday. Russian forces launched missile and drone strikes targeting civilian areas in Kharkiv, Kyiv, Dnipro and Sumy.
In Kharkiv, at least 82 people were injured, including a two-year-old child, after residential buildings were damaged by a series of explosions. In Sumy, a bakery was struck by a projectile, killing one person. Separately, two civilians were reported dead following a strike on an unspecified urban area.
“This is how Russia began this Good Friday – with ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, Shaheds – maiming our people and cities,” Zelenskyy said.
The Ukrainian air force reported intercepting three Iskander-K cruise missiles and 23 drones overnight, highlighting the ongoing pressure placed on Ukraine’s air defences amid a protracted campaign of aerial bombardment.
Separately, China on Friday rejected comments made by President Zelenskyy suggesting that Beijing was covertly supplying materials to support Russia’s military campaign. A spokesperson for the Chinese foreign ministry described the allegations as “groundless”, and reiterated Beijing’s official position that it remains neutral in the conflict.
The current round of peace talks, taking place behind closed doors in multiple European capitals, has failed to produce any tangible outcomes thus far. With US officials now indicating a possible end to Washington’s participation, pressure is mounting on Russia to demonstrate concrete commitments to a negotiated settlement.
European diplomats have warned that the absence of American involvement would likely diminish the prospects of a comprehensive agreement, as the US remains Ukraine’s largest security and financial backer.
Although Washington has not set a formal deadline, Rubio’s comments suggest that a decision on continued engagement could be made by early next week. No official response has yet been issued by the Kremlin or the Ukrainian presidency regarding the US position.
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