PULSE POINTS:

What Happened: Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the US might halt efforts for a comprehensive ceasefire in Ukraine if there’s no significant progress soon.

Who’s Involved: Secretary of State Marco Rubio, President Donald Trump, President Volodymyr Zelensky, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal.

Where & When: Statements were made in Paris on Friday during diplomatic talks; ceasefire determination timeline is described as “a matter of days.”

Key Quote: “We need to determine very quickly now, and I’m talking about a matter of days, whether or not this is doable,” Rubio said.

Impact: Failure to reach a ceasefire may lead the US to refocus its efforts; meanwhile, a US-Ukraine mineral deal is pending finalization.

IN FULL:

Secretary of State Marco Rubio signaled this week that his State Department is failing to secure any resolution to the Ukraine-Russia conflict as the administration nears its 100th day in office.

As a result, the United States may abandon its attempts to secure a comprehensive ceasefire in Ukraine if no substantial progress is seen within a matter of days, Rubio announced Friday. Speaking in Paris after diplomatic discussions, Rubio emphasized the urgency of assessing the feasibility of ending the conflict soon. Without sufficient headway, he indicated that the US government could discontinue peace efforts.

The conflict in Ukraine, which dates back over a decade to the U.S and EU-backed overthrow of an elected leader in the once buffer nation, has seen limited resolution, despite various diplomatic engagements and talks with both Russian and Ukrainian leaders. President Donald Trump has shown a desire to conclude the hostilities promptly, though efforts have so far been marked by minimal concessions from either side.

Rubio has engaged with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov multiple times to facilitate a truce, labeling a recent phone exchange as “constructive.” However, a 30-day moratorium intended to reduce attacks on energy facilities lapsed without significant effect, with both countries exchanging accusations of violations.

While a ceasefire appears elusive, the US and Ukraine are progressing towards a resource agreement anticipated by April 26. A memorandum, whose details emerged on Friday, hints at US access to Ukrainian rare earth minerals essential for advanced technology. This prospective deal aims to bolster US-Ukraine relations and ensure enduring support.

Discussions continue, and Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal is scheduled to meet US Treasury officials in Washington. This meeting aims to finalize the arrangement, which proponents believe could aid Ukraine’s reconstruction financing efforts. The memorandum underlines existing US aid to Ukraine, addressing potential repayment through crucial mineral resources.

Simultaneously, hostilities persist, with Russian strikes hitting several areas in Ukraine, reportedly causing mass casualties and damage.

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