On April 29, 2025, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that it is time for Russia and Ukraine to present concrete proposals to end the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Tammy Bruce, a spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State, shared that Rubio warned if there is no progress in negotiations, the U.S. will withdraw as a mediator in the peace process.
“We are at a point where both sides need to present concrete proposals on how to end this conflict,” Bruce quoted Rubio. “How we proceed is now a decision for the President. If no progress is made, we will withdraw as mediators,” she added.
This statement came on the same day the Kremlin rejected Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s proposal for a 30-day ceasefire in favor of a three-day ceasefire suggested by Russian President Vladimir Putin, marking Russia’s Victory Day from May 8 to May 10.
The peace efforts accelerated after U.S. President Donald Trump took office in January, promising to end the war within 24 hours. His predecessor, Joe Biden, refused to engage in direct talks with Moscow while the invasion continued.
Although Trump initiated direct talks with Moscow, Russian officials have demanded broader negotiations that include not only the Ukraine conflict but also broader U.S.-Russia relations. Both sides agreed to a limited ceasefire in March, but fighting continues. On the battlefield, Russian forces have used their advantage in numbers and weaponry to wear down Ukraine’s troops.
Putin has previously stated that any ceasefire plan must include clauses prohibiting Ukraine from using the pause to reorganize or rearm, as well as a ban on Western weapon supplies to Kyiv. He has not offered any concessions in return.
Meanwhile, Trump urged both Ukraine and Russia to hold a high-level meeting, and during a recent meeting with Zelensky, Trump suggested that Zelensky might be willing to cede Crimea to Russia as a compromise — a proposal Zelensky has repeatedly denied.
Trump later called on Putin to “stop shooting” and accept a peace deal.
