U.S. President Donald Trump on Sunday suggested that Russia and Ukraine might reach a peace agreement as early as this week, potentially ending their conflict of over three years. He added that such a deal could pave the way for both nations to do “big business” with the United States and “make a fortune.”
“Hopefully Russia and Ukraine will make a deal this week. Both will then start to do big business with the United States of America, which is thriving, and make a big fortune!” Trump posted on his Truth Social platform.
Despite the optimism, Trump did not offer any concrete updates on the peace talks that his administration has been promoting since he succeeded Joe Biden in January.
His statement came just days after Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated that the U.S. might soon step back from its mediation efforts if no clear progress is made. Speaking in Paris on Friday after talks with European and Ukrainian officials, Rubio said, “We need to figure out here now within a matter of days whether this is doable in the short term, because if it’s not, then I think we’re just going to move on.”
He emphasized that the U.S. would not continue its involvement indefinitely, saying, “We’re not going to continue with this endeavour for weeks and months on end… If it is [doable], we’re in. If it’s not, then we have other priorities to focus on as well.”
Peace efforts have included multiple rounds of negotiations in Saudi Arabia, led by Rubio and Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff, who has reportedly met Russian President Vladimir Putin at least three times. However, Moscow has so far rejected a proposed ceasefire backed by the Trump administration and Ukraine. Russia is demanding that Kyiv halt military mobilization and stop receiving Western weapons—conditions Ukraine has refused.
During his campaign, Trump promised to end the war “within 24 hours” of taking office. He later revised that timeline, suggesting a deal could be reached by April or May. However, the talks have faced several roadblocks, including rising tensions and a public disagreement in February at the White House between Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
