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President Donald Trump's attempts to negotiate an end to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine appear to be faltering. A significant meeting took place this week in Paris, where leaders from the United States, Europe, and Ukraine convened for peace discussions. Notably absent from these talks was the Russian delegation, which has indicated that it is in no particular hurry to reach a cease-fire agreement.

In a significant development, Secretary of State Marco Rubio hinted that the negotiations could come to an abrupt halt. This tactic is reminiscent of the deal-making strategies outlined in Trump's own 1987 bestseller, The Art of the Deal. During a press conference following tense discussions with European and Ukrainian officials, Rubio stated, Were not going to continue with this endeavor for weeks and months on end. So we need to determine very quickly now, and Im talking about a matter of days, whether or not this is doable in the next few weeks.

Rubio emphasized the urgency of the situation, adding, If its not possible, then I think the president is probably at a point where hes going to say, Well, were done. This declaration underscores the precarious position the negotiations currently find themselves in.

Trump, who built part of his political brand on the promise of swiftly ending the Ukraine conflict, has long espoused the philosophy of knowing when to exit negotiations. As he wrote in The Art of the Deal, The worst thing you can possibly do in a deal is seem desperate to make it. That makes the other guy smell blood, and then youre dead. The best thing you can do is deal from strength, and leverage is the biggest strength you can have. This philosophy is as pertinent today as it was decades ago, and many observers note its influence on Trump's current negotiating style.

In response to criticisms from the media regarding Trump's approach, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the administration's strategy. Many of you in the media clearly missed The Art of the Deal, she remarked earlier this month, addressing questions about Trump's "Liberation Day" tariffs. You clearly failed to see what President Trump is doing here. This defensiveness suggests that the administration is keenly aware of the public's scrutiny regarding its diplomatic efforts.

Experts like Charles Kupchan, a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, have expressed skepticism about Rubios assertion that the United States is prepared to walk away if no immediate progress is made. He noted that the Trump administrations position on many policy issues changes on an almost daily basis. Kupchan raised critical questions about what moving on truly entails, suggesting it could mean abandoning efforts to resolve the conflict altogether, withdrawing US support for Ukraine, or even severing attempts to re-establish relations with Russia.

Amid these complexities, Kupchan pointed out that Ukraines best bet lies in securing a minerals deal with the United States, which is currently under negotiation. Kyiv has a compelling interest in convincing Trump not to walk away from supporting Ukraine, and the minerals deal can help achieve that outcome, he explained. This deal, if successfully negotiated, could play a pivotal role in maintaining US support for Ukraine.

Rubios urgency coincided with Vice President JD Vances meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in Rome, where he optimistically discussed the potential to end the very brutal war. However, Rubios comments from Paris painted a more dire picture, highlighting the discrepancies between different US officials outlooks on the negotiations.

On the Russian side, the Kremlin acknowledged some progress in the discussions, but reiterated that any agreement would need to protect Russian interests. Rubios mention of a matter of days deadline implies that the pace of negotiations is inconsistent with Washington's expectations, particularly regarding the urgency to secure a cease-fire.

The ramifications of a US withdrawal from negotiations could be far-reaching. Without American leveragespecifically the threat of tougher sanctions on Russia or the potential cutoff of military aid to Ukrainemost analysts believe that the peace process could collapse entirely.

Tom Wright, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution and a former official in the Biden administration, criticized the administration for possibly abandoning negotiations without exerting pressure on Russia. Ukraine wants an immediate cease-fire. Putins maximalist objectives and desire to subjugate Ukraine are the main obstacles to peace, Wright stated, emphasizing the need for continued diplomatic efforts.

Ian Bremmer, the founder and president of Eurasia Group, remarked on the importance of US coordination with European and Ukrainian negotiators in Paris, noting that it sends a strong message to Putin. If he wants a deal with Trumpwhich has lots of long-term strategic advantages for the Kremlinhes going to have to accept a cease-fire. Your move, Putin, Bremmer concluded, leaving the situation hanging in a delicate balance.