US Threatens to Abandon Ukraine-Russia Peace Talks Amid New Moscow Offensive
The United States is preparing to walk away from its peace efforts in Ukraine unless tangible progress is made “within days,” said US Secretary of State Marco Rubio during a press conference in Paris on Friday.
Rubio, speaking after high-level meetings with European and Ukrainian leaders, emphasized that President Donald Trump still supports a settlement—but warned that the White House may soon shift focus if the Kremlin shows no willingness to engage.
“We are ready to move on unless we see movement,” Rubio said, signaling the strongest indication yet that Washington’s patience is wearing thin.
Ukraine, for its part, has already agreed to a US-backed 30-day ceasefire without preconditions. However, Russia rejected the plan outright, instead escalating its military efforts across the 1,000 km front.
Russia Bombs Sumy as US Criticism Mounts
On Sunday, Russia intensified its offensive, bombing the northeastern city of Sumy, where 35 civilians died and 117 were injured, Ukrainian officials confirmed.
Since returning to office in January, Trump has slashed US military aid to Ukraine and frozen intelligence sharing. This week, he falsely claimed that Zelenskyy and Joe Biden “started the war.” Trump has also avoided criticizing Vladimir Putin or imposing fresh sanctions, while senior envoys like Steve Witkoff continue to echo Kremlin narratives.
Controversial US-Ukraine Minerals Deal Moves Forward
Despite rising tensions, the US and Ukraine have finalized a memorandum on a strategic minerals deal, confirmed by First Deputy Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko. She described the agreement as a stepping stone toward a major investment fund for Ukraine’s reconstruction.
Speaking from the White House, Trump said the deal could be signed next Thursday, though details remain under negotiation. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent noted that the document spans 80 pages, and aligns with earlier versions.
Sources suggest the agreement may include repayment terms for previous US military aid, though this remains unconfirmed.
According to a leaked draft, Ukraine acknowledges the “significant material and financial support” it has received since Russia’s 2022 invasion, and expresses a shared desire for a “lasting peace”.
Alexander Zdravkov is a market analyst and crypto journalist with interests in economics, broader financial markets and digital assets. His journey into crypto began more than four years ago, driven by a fascination with the rapid evolution of blockchain technology and the transformative potential of decentralized finance. He began analyzing market cycles and identifying emerging trends before they reach the mainstream. He holds a degree in International Relations - a background that helped shape his broader perspective on global economics, geopolitics, and the interconnected nature of modern financial markets. Whether covering the latest developments in the crypto sector or exploring broader macroeconomic themes, Alexander focuses on giving readers context rather than simply repeating headlines. During his career, he has authored more than 10,000 articles covering cryptocurrencies, traditional finance, and global market developments. His work spans everything from Bitcoin and altcoins to macroeconomic trends influencing risk assets worldwide.
