President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky responded to the statements of US President Donald Trump, who hinted at the possible end of the US efforts on peaceful settlement of the war in Ukraine, if the parties could not make progress in the negotiations in the near future. According to Zelensky, if the United States really pause in peaceful efforts, it will be a serious blow to bilateral relations, and the US will lose a strategic partner in the person of Ukraine.
Zelensky stressed that despite the difficulties, the United States should continue to support Ukraine. He stressed that other countries, including North Korea, are actively supporting Russia in its war against Ukraine, and the Chinese military is already fighting on the Kremlin's side. The Ukrainian president also pointed out that the conflict between the United States and Iran, which also helps Russia, has recently aggravated.
In April 2025, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the United States could refuse peaceful initiatives unless they see progress in the negotiations in the near future. This was also confirmed during a working trip to France, when Rubio expressed anxiety due to lack of specific results.
Donald Trump, in turn, stated that he could stop attempting to conclude a peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia if negotiations are not effective. However, Trump also clarified that he was still hopeful to make progress in the peaceful process.
Zelensky pointed out that Ukraine does not set the conditions for peace talks, but noted that the first step towards a fair and long peace should be an indisputable ceasefire by Russia. He also emphasized the readiness of Ukraine to participate in peace talks in any format and noted that Kyiv is ready to return to negotiations after the ceasefire was reached.
