Is the US Ready to Shift Focus on Russia-Ukraine Peace Talks? Insights from Marco Rubio

US Secretary of State's Remarks in Paris

Paris: During a press conference on Friday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated that the United States might consider stepping back from its pursuit of a peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine if no advancements are made soon.

Following extensive discussions involving US, Ukrainian, and European officials, Rubio described the talks as productive, resulting in a framework aimed at achieving peace.

French representatives announced that a subsequent meeting in this format is anticipated in London shortly, with Rubio expressing his willingness to participate, likely early next week.

Rubio stated, "We are approaching a critical juncture where we must determine the feasibility of this process."

After numerous attempts by the Trump administration to negotiate a ceasefire between the two nations failed, Rubio emphasized the urgency for the US to conclude whether a resolution is achievable within the next few weeks.

The high-level discussions in France marked the first occasion since President Trump's inauguration that senior officials from the US, Ukraine, and Europe convened to address the ongoing conflict. These talks come amid rising European apprehensions regarding Trump's inclination to strengthen ties with Russia.

Rubio, alongside presidential envoy Steve Witkoff, has been instrumental in leading US peace initiatives. Multiple negotiation sessions have taken place in Saudi Arabia, with Witkoff reportedly meeting with Putin three times.

However, Moscow has largely dismissed the comprehensive ceasefire proposal advocated by Trump and supported by Ukraine, insisting that it hinges on Ukraine halting its mobilization and Western military supplies—conditions that Ukraine has firmly rejected.

In the meantime, Russian forces have continued their barrage on Ukrainian cities, resulting in numerous civilian casualties. Recent reports indicate that at least 34 individuals were killed during missile strikes in Sumy amid Palm Sunday celebrations.

In Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city, one person was killed and over 60 injured due to Russian attacks early in the day, with Mayor Ihor Terekhov noting that cluster munitions struck a heavily populated area multiple times.

Additionally, Russian drones targeted a bakery in Sumy, leading to one fatality and injuries to an employee, as confirmed by the regional prosecutor's office. Images released depicted Easter cakes amidst the destruction, with debris scattered throughout the site.

The recent missile strike in Sumy, which resulted in significant civilian casualties, was the second such incident within a week. Earlier, on April 4, missiles struck President Zelenskyy's hometown of Kryvyi Rih, claiming the lives of 20 individuals, including nine children.

On Thursday, a drone strike in Dnipro resulted in three civilian deaths and numerous injuries, coinciding with a Ukrainian delegation's efforts to secure security assurances from European nations during a high-level meeting in Paris attended by Rubio and Witkoff.

Regional Governor Serhii Lysak reported that one child was among the casualties in the Dnipro attack.