Donald Trump seems to be distancing himself from Ukraine, which could be seen as a setback for UK Labour leader Keir Starmer. JD Vance told Fox News that the U.S. has done all it could in Ukraine, but the war isn’t ending anytime soon. He said only Trump could have brought the sides this close to a possible peace deal, but now it’s up to Russia and Ukraine to reach an agreement.
Trump warned that his patience with both sides was wearing thin, saying if one party kept blocking progress, he’d walk away and call them foolish. He was reportedly angry when Russia launched attacks during peace talks, saying they were under pressure and knew it. Trump claimed Ukraine does want a deal because they’ve been suffering greatly.
In Europe, Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron have been leading efforts to unite countries behind a peace plan for Ukraine. At a summit in Paris, they accused Russia of stalling negotiations and playing for time. The European leaders say peace in Ukraine is essential for the continent and Britain, and they’re determined to make it happen with support from global partners.
But Trump mocked Britain’s ability to take on Russia, while also saying the U.S. would support them if needed. He praised the long-standing U.S.-UK alliance but questioned whether the UK could handle Russia alone.
Hopes had briefly risen after the U.S. and Ukraine signed a minerals deal, but one expert said this was more about past favors than new support. The deal involved access to valuable rare earth minerals in Ukraine, but the terms remain unclear, especially since it’s uncertain who controls the land where the minerals are located.
Trump at one point even called Ukrainian President Zelensky a dictator without elections. Zelensky replied that he was open to stepping aside but would need something in return. He seems ready to compromise, but many feel Ukraine isn’t getting enough back for a meaningful deal. Unlike the U.S., where any deal is seen as a win, Ukraine sees a bad deal as worse than nothing.
Importantly, the minerals deal was made with Kyiv, not Moscow, suggesting the U.S. still backs Ukraine. If Russia were to take control of that land, a new deal would be needed. But for now, Ukraine sees the current deal as a sign of continued U.S. support, even if it’s not perfect.
Despite Trump appearing to pull back, experts say he might still be more committed than he lets on. However, JD Vance’s comments about ending U.S. involvement worry European allies. Some say Trump’s unpredictable approach is risky and could lead to a wider war.
Meanwhile, Trump’s popularity is falling at home. Protests have broken out, and the U.S. economy has shrunk for the first time in three years. Many are blaming Trump’s tariffs and the lack of clarity around economic policy. Business owners are anxious, and polls show growing dissatisfaction.
One bright spot for the administration is the finalized rare minerals deal with Ukraine, which gives the U.S. access to critical resources like graphite, titanium, and lithium. This is part of a broader effort to reduce dependence on China for these materials. For Ukraine, the deal may offer some added security, as the U.S. now has a business interest in the region.
