US calls for direct negotiations between Russia and Ukraine
State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce announced that the United States will no longer act as a mediator in the negotiations between Russia and Ukraine. During a regular press briefing on Thursday, she emphasized the need for both nations...
TroibNews 
State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce announced that the United States will no longer act as a mediator in the negotiations between Russia and Ukraine. During a regular press briefing on Thursday, she emphasized the need for both nations to create their own proposals and engage in direct discussions.
Former President Donald Trump had previously vowed to resolve the Ukraine conflict “within 24 hours” if he were to be elected, although he later characterized that statement as an “exaggeration.” Since taking office in January, he has urged both parties to agree to a ceasefire but has expressed frustration over the slow pace of negotiations. Trump has warned that the U.S. might reconsider its involvement in the peace process if progress continues to stall.
Earlier communications from Moscow indicated a willingness to initiate direct negotiations with Kyiv “without preconditions.” Russian President Vladimir Putin also ordered Russian forces to observe a brief ceasefire during next week’s Victory Day festivities. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, however, dismissed the Russian truce declaration as a “manipulation.”
“We will not be the mediators,” Bruce told reporters when questioned about Washington's future role. “We certainly are still committed to it and we’ll help and do what we can, but we are not going to fly around the world at the drop of a hat to mediate meetings.”
Bruce’s statements diverged from those of U.S. Vice President J. D. Vance, who mentioned earlier in the week that Washington intended to dedicate another 100 days to mediating a peace agreement.
According to media reports, the proposed U.S. peace plan includes recognizing Russia’s sovereignty over Crimea and its control over parts of four former Ukrainian regions that chose to join Russia. The proposal also reportedly suggests “freezing” the conflict along existing front lines.
In response to Moscow's announcement regarding a temporary halt to military actions, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that the pause should signal “the start of direct negotiations with Kyiv without preconditions.” In contrast, Kyiv has called for an immediate and unconditional 30-day ceasefire.
Navid Kalantari for TROIB News
Former President Donald Trump had previously vowed to resolve the Ukraine conflict “within 24 hours” if he were to be elected, although he later characterized that statement as an “exaggeration.” Since taking office in January, he has urged both parties to agree to a ceasefire but has expressed frustration over the slow pace of negotiations. Trump has warned that the U.S. might reconsider its involvement in the peace process if progress continues to stall.
Earlier communications from Moscow indicated a willingness to initiate direct negotiations with Kyiv “without preconditions.” Russian President Vladimir Putin also ordered Russian forces to observe a brief ceasefire during next week’s Victory Day festivities. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, however, dismissed the Russian truce declaration as a “manipulation.”
“We will not be the mediators,” Bruce told reporters when questioned about Washington's future role. “We certainly are still committed to it and we’ll help and do what we can, but we are not going to fly around the world at the drop of a hat to mediate meetings.”
Bruce’s statements diverged from those of U.S. Vice President J. D. Vance, who mentioned earlier in the week that Washington intended to dedicate another 100 days to mediating a peace agreement.
According to media reports, the proposed U.S. peace plan includes recognizing Russia’s sovereignty over Crimea and its control over parts of four former Ukrainian regions that chose to join Russia. The proposal also reportedly suggests “freezing” the conflict along existing front lines.
In response to Moscow's announcement regarding a temporary halt to military actions, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that the pause should signal “the start of direct negotiations with Kyiv without preconditions.” In contrast, Kyiv has called for an immediate and unconditional 30-day ceasefire.
Navid Kalantari for TROIB News
