US President Donald Trump on Friday said that discussions between Ukraine and Russia were “coming to a head,” and asserted that neither Moscow nor Kyiv is manipulating him as he attempts to mediate an end to the prolonged conflict, according to the Associated Press.
“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,” Trump said during a press briefing at the White House.
US Ready to Step Back if Peace Efforts Stall
Trump made it clear that the US would stop facilitating Ukraine-Russia negotiations unless tangible progress is made soon. “Yeah, very shortly,” Trump said when asked about Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s recent warning that the US might “move on” if a ceasefire doesn’t seem achievable within days. “No specific number of days, but quickly. We want to get it done,” Trump added.
No Blame Assigned, But Expectations Set
While the US president refrained from pointing fingers at either Russian President Vladimir Putin or Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, he emphasized that both parties must make serious efforts.
“Now, if for some reason one of the two parties makes it very difficult, we’re just going to say: ‘You’re foolish. You’re fools. You’re horrible people’ — and we’re going to just take a pass,” Trump said. “But hopefully we won’t have to do that.”
Trump’s Hope for Progress, Denies Being Played
Trump, who earlier claimed he could end the Ukraine war within 24 hours—a comment he later said was sarcastic—reaffirmed his belief in finding a resolution.
He also denied being manipulated by Putin, who had previously denied intentions to invade Ukraine. “Nobody’s playing me, I’m trying to help,” Trump asserted.
Ceasefire Offers and Delays
Although Ukraine has agreed to a temporary ceasefire, it has accused Russia of deliberately stalling negotiations to improve its leverage. Trump’s comments followed his earlier decision to open direct talks with Putin in February, shortly after returning to the White House, a move that caught several Western allies off guard.
When asked whether he believed Putin was intentionally delaying talks, Trump responded, “I hope not,” and added, “I’ll let you know soon.”
