The conflict needs to end.
On April 27, President Donald Trump called on Russian President Vladimir Putin to cease attacks against Ukraine and to agree to a cease-fire, as Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned that the next week would be crucial in determining whether the United States continues its role in brokering a peace agreement.
Trump made these comments after meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Rome, just before attending Pope Francis’s funeral on April 26. Speaking to reporters later in New Jersey, Trump said the discussion with Zelenskyy went well, highlighting that Ukraine continues to urgently request additional weaponry to defend itself against Russian aggression.
“He seems calmer and more understanding of the situation. I believe he’s genuinely interested in reaching an agreement,” Trump said of Zelenskyy. “We’ll see what happens in the coming days.” Zelenskyy also described the meeting as positive and “symbolic,” suggesting it could become historic if it leads to meaningful results.
Trump expressed his disappointment and surprise over Russia’s renewed attacks following U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff’s discussions with Putin in Moscow on April 25. “I want him to stop the violence, sit down, and sign the agreement,” Trump said, suggesting that the framework for a deal is already largely in place.
Yuri Ushakov, a senior aide to Putin, characterized the Witkoff-Putin meeting as “constructive” but did not share specifics. Before leaving for Rome, Trump mentioned that most major issues had been resolved and that a deal was near. Meanwhile, Secretary Rubio stated on NBC’s “Meet the Press” that the United States may reconsider its involvement if progress stalls, emphasizing that while the two sides are closer than ever, the U.S. cannot continue dedicating significant resources without a clear path forward.
Rubio stressed that the next several days would be pivotal in assessing the viability of the peace process, hinting that the U.S. might eventually take punitive measures against those obstructing negotiations, though he added that diplomatic efforts remain the priority.
In a Truth Social post on April 26, Trump criticized Putin for targeting Ukrainian civilian areas amid ongoing negotiations, raising doubts about Russia’s willingness to genuinely pursue peace. He suggested alternative strategies, including financial penalties and secondary sanctions, if necessary.
The conflict in Ukraine began when Russian forces invaded in February 2022. Although Putin announced an “Easter truce” on April 19, intended to halt military operations temporarily, both sides accused each other of violating it. Russia resumed military activities after the truce expired. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said in an interview with CBS News on April 24 that Moscow remains open to reaching an agreement, though some details still need to be resolved. Zelenskyy noted that Ukraine had accepted a U.S.-proposed cease-fire 45 days earlier and had offered to stop attacks on civilian targets, a proposal Russia ultimately rejected.
