In a zinger of a post on Truth Social, President Donald Trump went after Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy, accusing him of messing up negotiations to end the war in Ukraine when a peace deal was “very close.” Trump described Zelenskyy’s refusal to let Russia take over Crimea as “very harmful” to peace, saying his inflammatory statements make it hard to settle the war. Zelenskyy has been consistent in saying his country won’t give up its claim to Crimea, calling it against the constitution. Maybe it’s just me, but I’m not really sure why this matters, but Trump ordered a halt on military aid to Ukraine after an Oval Office clash.
Trump urged to visit Ukraine after Russia launched missiles, causing destruction. Special envoy Steve Witkoff and Secretary of State Marco Rubio were in Paris last week. High-level talks aiming to pause fighting in Ukraine fell apart after Rubio and Witkoff pulled out. Zelenskyy said they continue to work for peace, but Rubio hinted at walking away from ceasefire efforts if there’s no progress. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said the U.S. hasn’t set a ceasefire deadline. This is not just about diplomacy fatigue, it signals a hard pivot. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce confirmed Rubio would skip the meeting, citing logistical issues.
Despite plans to attend, Rubio and Witkoff were not in London for the talks. The British Foreign Ministry postponed the Ukraine peace talks meeting. Ukrainian officials were ready to negotiate but not surrender. Expectations for a deal to end the war remained low after the U.S. presented peace proposals last week. Russian President Vladimir Putin showed openness to bilateral ceasefire talks with Zelenskyy. Crimea is a difficult point of difference to overcome, according to military sciences director Matthew Savill. Ukraine won’t recapture Crimea or join NATO soon. Savill said the terms of any deal won’t be favorable to Ukraine.
