<p>United President Donald Trump on Friday said negotiations between Russia and Ukraine were “coming to a head” and warned that Washington could withdraw from peace efforts if the warring sides fail to make swift progress.</p> <p>Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump stressed that neither Moscow nor Kyiv was “playing” him in his push to end the prolonged conflict. “If for some reason one of the two parties makes it very difficult, we’re going to say you’re fools, you’re foolish, and we’re just going to take a pass,” he said, as per news agency AP.</p> <p>According to AFP, Trump said there was no fixed deadline, but progress was expected “very shortly.”</p> <p>Asked whether Russian President Vladimir Putin was stalling negotiations, Trump responded, “I hope not.” He further denied any suggestion that he was being manipulated by Putin. “Nobody’s playing me, I’m trying to help,” he stated.</p> <p>Trump’s remarks came shortly after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, addressing the media in Paris, said the United States may “move on” from the peace initiative unless developments occur in the coming days. “We are now reaching a point where we need to decide whether this is even possible or not,” Rubio stated, referring to the peace talks. “Because if it’s not, then I think we’re just going to move on. It’s not our war. We have other priorities to focus on.”</p> <p>Rubio added that the Biden administration wanted to make that determination “in a matter of days.”</p> <h3><strong>Next Round Of Talks On Ukraine Peace Deal Likely In London</strong></h3> <p>Despite months of unsuccessful diplomatic engagement, Thursday’s Paris talks between US, Ukrainian and European officials appeared to produce some progress. A new round of discussions is expected next week in London, which Rubio hinted could be decisive in determining future American involvement, AP reported.</p> <p>The US Secretary of State’s remarks increased pressure on both sides, even as Washington and Kyiv advanced negotiations on a long-delayed minerals deal — an effort reportedly linked to Trump’s broader peace strategy. On Thursday, Trump said, “We have a minerals deal.” Ukraine’s economy minister confirmed Friday that a memorandum of intent had been signed ahead of a potential full agreement.</p> <h3><strong>JD Vance Vance Says US 'Optimistic' About Ending Ukraine War</strong></h3> <p>In Rome, US Vice President JD Vance adopted a more optimistic tone ahead of a meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. “We think we have some interesting things to report on, of course in private,” Vance said, as per AP. “I won’t prejudge them, but we do feel optimistic that we can hopefully bring this war, this very brutal war, to a close.”</p> <p>Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, reacting to Rubio’s remarks, said that “fairly complex” negotiations were still underway. While he gave no details, Peskov affirmed, “Russia is striving toward resolving this conflict, securing its own interests, and is open to dialogue. We are continuing to do this.”</p> <p>Ukraine has reportedly agreed to a temporary ceasefire but accused Russia of delaying a final agreement in an attempt to secure a stronger negotiating position.</p> <p>Trump previously claimed he could end the war in 24 hours if re-elected, but admitted last month he was “being a little bit sarcastic” in making that statement.</p>
from Luigi Mangione Indicted In UnitedHealthcare CEO's Killing, Faces Death Penalty https://ift.tt/eqCbwPd
via IFTTT
from Luigi Mangione Indicted In UnitedHealthcare CEO's Killing, Faces Death Penalty https://ift.tt/eqCbwPd
via IFTTT