President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio are voicing renewed optimism about ending the war in Ukraine, despite escalating violence and resistance from hardline factions on both sides. The comments come in the wake of a brutal Russian missile and drone barrage on Kyiv that left several civilians dead and many more wounded.
“I didn’t like last night. I wasn’t happy with it,” Trump said, referring to the strikes on Ukraine’s capital. “We’re in the middle of peace talks—and missiles were fired. That’s not how you negotiate.”
Trump’s statement underscores the delicate moment in which U.S.-backed negotiations hang in the balance. While the president has been pushing both Ukraine and Russia to come to the table, recent events highlight just how fragile the path to peace remains.
Speaking alongside Norway’s Prime Minister, Secretary of State Marco Rubio echoed Trump’s frustration but offered a dose of optimism. “This war is endable. Both sides just have to agree to it,” Rubio said. “We’ve shown them a pathway forward. We’ve laid out the framework. Now it’s up to them.”
.@SecRubio: “This war is endable. Both sides just have to agree to it. We’ve shown them a pathway forward. We’ve discussed those ideas… We’ve shown them the finish line. We need both of them to say yes.” pic.twitter.com/iyEYmtVzwI
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) April 24, 2025
The Trump administration has reportedly crafted a proposal that includes territorial compromises, neutrality guarantees, and economic aid packages designed to stabilize Ukraine and de-escalate the region. The goal is clear: end the bloodshed, prevent further NATO entanglement, and restore regional order.
But challenges persist—especially from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who continues to insist that no deal is possible without full Ukrainian control over Crimea. Trump and Rubio have repeatedly argued that such demands are unrealistic and risk prolonging a war Ukraine cannot win on the battlefield.
“Zelensky can have peace now—or he can keep fighting for another three years and lose everything,” one senior U.S. official said. “The President is offering a way out that stops the killing and protects Ukraine’s future. It’s time for serious leadership.”
Trump has made clear that America’s role is to broker peace, not fund endless wars. His foreign policy team has been in close communication with both Moscow and Kyiv, urging restraint and laying the groundwork for a ceasefire agreement. Trump has also stated unequivocally that the United States will not be dragged into another forever war over disputed borders in Eastern Europe.
As pressure builds and the toll of the war climbs—over 5,000 troops reportedly dying each week—the Trump administration is positioning itself as the only global power serious about ending the conflict and restoring stability.
“The world is watching,” Rubio said. “And we’re showing that peace is possible—if leaders are willing to choose it.”