US Shifts Role in Russia-Ukraine Ceasefire Talks

The United States, now led by President Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, has shifted its approach to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, warning that it will step back as mediator unless both sides offer concrete peace proposals. President Trump recently met with Ukrainian President Zelensky at the Vatican, encouraging him to sign a peace deal and discussing a possible minerals agreement as an alternative to continued US military aid. The US peace proposals are reported to include recognition of Russian claims over certain Ukrainian territories and a freezing of the conflict, but Ukraine remains opposed, seeking a broader and unconditional truce. Russia has continued its military buildup along NATO borders and announced a short ceasefire, which Ukraine views with skepticism. Drone attacks from Russia persist, and international observers remain cautious about the prospects for peace. The US has stressed that the primary responsibility for ending the war now rests with Russia and Ukraine.