Washington, D.C. – The U.S. administration has issued an implicit ultimatum in the Ukraine peace negotiations, threatening to leave the diplomatic table if tangible progress is not made within a few days.
This was revealed in official statements by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who described the conflict as “not central” to U.S. strategic interests, while reaffirming the commitment to mediate a solution.
Diplomatic Stalemate
The talks, mediated by the United States since March, have stalled over a proposal for a 30-day ceasefire that could be extended, put forward by Washington and accepted by Kyiv. However, Russia has yet to give an official response, fueling frustration among mediators.
The Paris Draft: During the latest negotiation round in France, the parties discussed a document providing for the withdrawal of Russian troops from certain areas of Donbass and an international monitoring mechanism.
Moscow’s Non-Negotiable Conditions: The Kremlin insists on recognition of the annexation of Crimea and special status for the separatist regions—demands rejected by Kyiv and its allies.
The Informal Ultimatum to Russia
Sources close to the State Department report that special envoy Steve Witkoff delivered a private warning to Moscow: if it does not accept the agreement by April, the U.S. will intensify economic sanctions and further militarize support for Kyiv.
The Military Option: Rubio suggested that, in the event of failure, Washington could authorize the delivery of long-range weapons systems to Ukraine, so far limited for fear of escalation.
The European Dilemma: Germany and France fear that a U.S. withdrawal would weaken NATO cohesion, pushing some Eastern countries to seek unilateral solutions.
International Reactions
Kyiv: President Zelensky reiterated the need for binding security guarantees, calling for a more active UN role in monitoring the ceasefire.
EU: High Representative Borrell expressed “concern” over U.S. statements, stressing that “Europe cannot afford a diplomatic vacuum.”
Analysts: According to the Carnegie Endowment, Washington’s move reflects a dual-track strategy: maintaining pressure on Putin without engaging in direct conflict.
What Happens Now?
The next 7 days will be crucial. If Moscow continues to stall, the U.S. could freeze the dialogue, shifting its focus to containing China in the Pacific. Meanwhile, the risk of new Russian offensives in the spring remains high, with Kyiv urging Western partners to speed up deliveries of tanks and ammunition.
A Crisis at a Crossroads: While Ukrainian civilians bear the highest cost, the international community awaits a sign of flexibility from the Kremlin. But time, experts warn, is running out.