Nearly three months into Trump’s second term, there are already reports that his inner circle is pressuring him to take a harder stance on Russia. While Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff is meeting with Russian President Putin and discussing terms for a deal, Secretary of State Marco Rubio is warning time is running out and accusing Russia of not taking the “peace process” seriously (maybe he should look at Ukraine).
But the thing is… time is on Russia’s side here. Moscow doesn’t need a ceasefire, and the U.S. knows it. But even with the reality of the situation on the battlefield, that hasn’t stopped Trump Admin members like Special Envoy Keith Kellogg from condemning a recent Russian strike in Ukraine’s Sumy region—which Russia says targeted a gathering of Ukrainian military commanders.
SOURCE LINKS:
15 April 2025 - Trump Envoy Witkoff Says Had ‘Compelling’ Meeting With Putin
23 March 2025 - SANCTIONED 28: Russia’s Four New Regions—Will the West Recognize Them, and Does It Matter?
13 April 2025 - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky: The 2025 60 Minutes Interview transcript
14 April 2025 - Russian missiles hit Ukrainian city of Sumy during Palm Sunday celebrations, killing more than 30
14 April 2025 - Sumy strike targeted meeting of Ukrainian commanders – Moscow
15 April 2025 - Aaron Maté on X: “According to WSJ, the Russian military strike ‘killed Ukrainian Col. Yuriy Yula, commander of a Ukrainian artillery brigade that is equipped with advanced U.S. Himars rocket launchers.’”
14 April 2025 - Aides Push Trump to Adopt Tougher Approach With Moscow
13 April 2025 - Secretary Marco Rubio on X: “The United States extends our deepest condolences to the victims of today’s horrifying Russian missile attack on Sumy. This is a tragic reminder of why President Trump and his Administration are putting so much time and effort into trying to end this war and achieve durable peace.”
4 April 2025 - U.S. Patience on Ukraine Is Running Out, Rubio Warns Russia
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