President Donald Trump called for a swift resolution to the Russia-Ukraine war on Sunday, saying he wants a peace deal finalized within “two weeks or less.” Speaking to reporters upon returning to New Jersey after attending Pope Francis’s funeral in Rome, Trump said his recent meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the Vatican had been productive. However, Trump also expressed disappointment that Russia continued missile and drone strikes even after he urged President Vladimir Putin to halt attacks during the peace negotiations.
In comments made on the tarmac, Trump revealed that Zelenskyy pressed for more military support and described ongoing violence from Russia as a breach of good faith in talks. Trump emphasized he wants Putin to “stop shooting, sit down, and sign a deal,” adding that discussions already outline a potential framework for peace. He acknowledged the issue of Crimea remains complicated, suggesting that Ukraine might eventually cede the region, and criticized former President Barack Obama for allowing Russia to annex it back in 2014.
Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated that negotiations between Ukraine and Russia have reached their closest point to a breakthrough in years, but warned that key obstacles remain. Rubio emphasized that the coming week would be critical for determining whether the United States should continue investing diplomatic resources in brokering a deal. He underscored that any agreement must be based not on trust, but on rigorous verification and enforceable security guarantees.
Despite some optimism, U.S. political leaders remain divided over Trump’s strategy. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer voiced concerns that Trump might “cave in” to Putin, warning that any deal perceived as favoring Moscow would harm America’s moral standing, fracture alliances, and embolden dictators worldwide. Schumer emphasized that abandoning Ukraine would represent both a moral and strategic failure for the United States at a time when global tensions remain high.
National Security Adviser Mike Waltz said the Trump administration is prepared to escalate pressure on Russia if needed, hinting at additional banking and energy sanctions to force Moscow into an agreement. As both sides continue talks and Russian attacks persist, Trump’s push for a quick deal underscores the high stakes and volatile dynamics defining this pivotal moment in global diplomacy. Whether a ceasefire materializes in the next two weeks could reshape the future of European security and America’s international role.
Discover more from Weekly Voice
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
