Trump Says Ukraine Talks Must End ‘Quickly’ But Offers No Deadline/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ President Donald Trump moderated Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s warning about potentially walking away from peace negotiations on Russia’s war in Ukraine. Trump projected cautious optimism but avoided setting a firm timeline, stating, “We want to get it done quickly.”
Trump Differs from Rubio on Ukraine Talks — Quick Look
- Rubio warns U.S. may “move on” from Russia-Ukraine talks soon
- Trump says there’s “no specific number of days” for deadline
- White House: U.S. wants peace, but won’t tolerate stalling
- GOP public support for Ukraine aid continues to decline
- Trump: Deal must happen “quickly” or U.S. may “take a pass”
Trump Signals Patience on Ukraine Peace Deal Despite Rubio’s Hardline Warning
Deep Looks
WASHINGTON (April 18, 2025) — President Donald Trump on Friday appeared to downplay urgent remarks from Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who warned earlier in the day that the United States could abandon its role in brokering a Russia-Ukraine peace deal if progress isn’t made in the coming days.
Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump offered a more measured tone, aligning with Rubio’s sentiment but declining to commit to a timeline.
“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, But hopefully we won’t have to do that.” Trump told reporters at the White House.
Asked if Russian President Vladimir Putin was dragging his feet on negotiations, Trump replied, “I hope not.”
“No specific number of days, but quickly — we want to get it done,” Trump said.
Rubio’s comments in Paris, after meetings with European and Ukrainian leaders, reflected rising administration frustration at the slow pace of negotiations to end the war, now in its fourth year.
Source: Rubio Was Voicing Trump’s Frustration
A source familiar with the talks said that Rubio was expressing Trump’s own impatience, noting the president is tired of what he sees as political posturing by both Russia and Ukraine.
“Trump doesn’t have limitless patience,” the source said. “It’s time to get serious.”
The source highlighted that U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff has already held three meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin, along with multiple meetings with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, in pursuit of a breakthrough.
Despite these efforts, none of the 59 hostages held by Russia or its proxies have been freed, and no clear roadmap has emerged for a full ceasefire.
Shifting Republican Sentiment
According to a new Pew Research Center poll released this week, support among Republican-aligned adults for aiding Ukraine has dropped sharply — from 52% after the 2024 election to just 23% today. In contrast, 67% of Democrats say the U.S. has a responsibility to Ukraine.
The same survey found GOP hostility toward Russia has softened, with only 40% of Republicans now labeling Russia an enemy of the U.S., compared to 58% a year ago.
Trump Hopes for ‘Enthusiasm to End It’
Pressed on what would constitute progress in negotiations, Trump said he would need to see a “genuine enthusiasm” from both sides.
“I think we have a really good chance of getting it done. It’s coming to a head right now,” he added.
Asked whether he believes Putin is stalling, Trump replied: “I hope not.”
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