President Donald Trump on Sunday called on Russia to stop its attacks in Ukraine, warning that the U.S. could abandon peace efforts if progress stalls. Speaking in New Jersey, Trump expressed disappointment over continued Russian aggression and noted his recent meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy at the Vatican had gone well, describing Zelenskiy as "calmer" and eager for a deal.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reinforced Trump’s stance, saying on NBC's "Meet the Press" that if there is no progress soon, the U.S. may withdraw from mediation efforts. Trump and Zelenskiy met while attending Pope Francis’s funeral in Rome, aiming to revive stalled negotiations.
After the meeting, Trump rebuked Russian President Vladimir Putin, criticizing missile attacks on civilian areas. Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov insisted on CBS’s "Face the Nation" that Russia only targets military sites, despite recent civilian casualties in Kyiv.
Zelenskiy reported nearly 70 Russian attacks on Sunday alone, stating that global pressure on Moscow remains insufficient. Tensions are also rising over differing proposals to end the war. U.S. suggestions included recognizing Russia’s control over Crimea and other occupied territories, but Ukraine and European leaders pushed back, seeking to delay territorial talks until after a ceasefire.
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius warned Ukraine against accepting the U.S. plan, calling it too concessionary. Trump’s National Security Adviser Mike Waltz emphasized Trump’s frustration with both sides but reiterated U.S. commitment to securing an agreement, including future cooperation on rare earth minerals.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer voiced concern on CNN that Trump could "cave in to Putin," warning of a potential moral failure if Ukraine is abandoned.