WASHINGTON - The United States announced that it would no longer act as the main mediator in peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine. This move came after Russian President Vladimir Putin rejected the full ceasefire proposal put forward by the US.
US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce stated that the US would continue to support peace efforts but would no longer be actively involved in direct negotiations. "We will not keep flying around the world just to mediate meetings. It is now time for both parties to draft and present concrete proposals to end this conflict," she said.
As quoted by thesun.ie, Friday, (May 2), this decision came just days after the US and Ukraine signed an important agreement in the mineral sector. The agreement grants the US priority rights to invest in the development of Ukraine's natural resources such as aluminum, graphite, oil, and natural gas.
This agreement is also seen as strengthening American security support for Ukraine in the face of the Russian invasion.
Previously, the Trump administration proposed a 30-day ceasefire that was accepted by Ukraine but rejected by Russia. In fact, Russia intensified its attacks on Ukraine, resulting in civilian casualties.
The seven-point peace proposal drafted by the US was also rejected by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky because it included official recognition of Russia's sovereignty over Crimea.
US President Donald Trump, who is said to be disappointed with both Putin and Zelensky, stated that if either party does not show commitment to peace, the US will withdraw from the talks. He even publicly condemned Putin for continuing to bombard Ukraine while engaging in peace talks with US envoys.
In response to international pressure, Russia announced a symbolic ceasefire lasting 96 hours starting on May 7, coinciding with the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe. However, the Kremlin continues to repeat its demands for Ukraine to surrender and disarm.
The US-Ukraine mineral deal, described as "historic" by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, marks a shift in Washington's diplomatic approach, from peace negotiations to being an economic and military strategic partner for Kyiv.
Trump asserted that the US presence in the Ukrainian mining region would serve as a "trip wire" or boundary that Russia must not cross. He added that this economic cooperation is compensation for the significant aid the US has provided during the war.
"The American presence there will deter bad actors and strengthen stability," Trump said in a cabinet meeting. He also hoped that Ukraine would honor the agreement and deliver concrete results soon. (DK)
