‘Take a Pass’: Trump threatens to exit peace talks if Ukraine, Russia don’t budge

President Donald Trump said Friday that negotiations between Ukraine and Russia are “coming to a head,” warning that the United States may abandon its efforts to broker peace if neither side shows serious intent. Trump insisted he’s not being manipulated by either party, but acknowledged that patience is wearing thin.

“Now, if for some reason, one of the two parties makes it very difficult, we’re just going to say you’re foolish. You are fools, you horrible people,” Trump said. “And we’re going to just take a pass. But hopefully, we won’t have to do that.”

Trump’s remarks came shortly after Secretary of State Marco Rubio delivered a sobering assessment of the ongoing talks, warning that the US could “move on” from the peace push if tangible progress isn’t made in the coming days, reports Associated Press.

“We are now reaching a point where we need to decide whether this is even possible or not,” Rubio told reporters in Paris, where landmark discussions this week between American, Ukrainian, and European officials yielded tentative steps forward. “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.”

Another high-stakes meeting is expected next week in London, which Rubio hinted could be important for the Trump administration’s continued involvement. He later echoed the warning in a call with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, according to the State Department.

Trump, while backing Rubio’s call for urgency, remained publicly cautious. “Marco is right,” he said. “But I don’t want to say we’re ready to walk away. We want to see it end.”

The latest developments suggest a dual-track strategy by the US, offering both incentives and pressure. One French diplomatic official involved in the talks said Western allies are emphasizing a “relationship of force” to extract commitments from both Moscow and Kyiv. The official said sanctions remain in play, though easing restrictions on Russia was not discussed.

Meanwhile, Vice President JD Vance sounded a note of guarded optimism during a visit to Rome 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. “I won’t prejudge them, but we do feel optimistic that we can hopefully bring this war, this very brutal war, to a close.”

(With inputs from Associated Press)

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