Donald Trump to Russia and Ukraine: 'You are foolish' if no progress is made in peace conversations | Today news

US President Donald Trump announced on Friday (April 18) that the United States will withdraw to mediate further peace talks on the war in Ukraine if there is no progress from Russia and Ukraine. Trump spoke in the Oval Office, and Trump confirmed that Washington would “continue” if a ceasefire or peace agreement was not feasible in the short term. “Yes, very short,” Trump replied as he was asked if Washington would walk away from the peace process. ‘No specific number of days, but fast. We want to get it right. ‘ He added that if one of the parties made the situation difficult, the US would step aside. “If one of the two parties makes it very difficult for some reason, we’ll just say, ‘You’re foolish. You’re fools. You’re horrible people’ – and we’re just going to take a pass,” Trump said. “But hopefully we don’t have to.” Trump on Putin and Ukraine: No games play, just help Trump was asked if Russian President Vladimir Putin stopped or dragged his feet on the peace talks. The US president expressed the hope that Putin would not delay, but gave assurances that if it became clear that on either side were not motivated to end the war, Washington would no longer intervene. “I don’t hope,” Trump said when asked if Putin stopped. “I’ll let you know soon.” Trump emphasized that he is not “played” by the Russian president. “Nobody plays me, I’m trying to help,” Trump explains. “I know when people play us, and I know when they’re not. And I have to see an enthusiasm to end it. And I think I see the enthusiasm. I think I see it from both sides. ‘ Rubio’s warning: We to continue without progress Trump’s remarks have come after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio addressed the situation in Paris, following discussions with European allies. Rubio said the US had to see progress in the coming days, and if no material progress was made, Washington would disconnect from further negotiations. “We had a good meeting yesterday,” Rubio said. “But it’s not going to go on forever.” He indicated that if a ceasefire or resolution did not seem feasible in the short term, the US would stop negotiating. Rubio also praised European countries for their constructive role and acknowledges that they can help move the ball forward in the peace process. Trump’s call for action amid long conflict The conflict between Russia and Ukraine, which began with Russia’s full -scale invasion in February 2022, has now entered its fourth year. Trump previously boasted that he could end the war within 24 hours if he was in charge, an allegation he later clarified as sarcastic. Nevertheless, the president repeated his commitment to finding a diplomatic solution while expressing frustration over the protracted conflict. First published: 18 Apr 2025, 23:36 IST