Rubio, Witkoff Travel to Paris for Ukraine Peace Talks/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff will meet with European leaders in Paris to advance U.S.-led peace negotiations in the Russia-Ukraine war. Talks follow ongoing disputes over ceasefire terms. Concerns persist over Trump’s approach to Russia and NATO allies.
Trump Administration’s Russia-Ukraine Peace Push – Quick Looks
- Secretary of State Marco Rubio and envoy Steve Witkoff to meet allies in Paris.
- Talks aim to advance a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine.
- Witkoff met with Vladimir Putin last week; previous talks held in Saudi Arabia.
- Ukraine endorses ceasefire; Russia demands halt to arms and mobilization.
- Russia continues daily strikes despite 30-day strike freeze agreement.
- Trump’s posture toward Russia and NATO continues to raise concerns.
- Vice President JD Vance also traveling to Europe this week for meetings.
- Witkoff simultaneously leading negotiations with Iran over its nuclear program.
- Meeting with Iranian FM Abbas Araghchi took place last weekend.
- Additional Middle East talks are scheduled for Saturday.
Rubio and Witkoff Lead Trump Administration’s Push for Russia-Ukraine Ceasefire in Paris
Washington (AP) – In the latest diplomatic effort by the Trump administration to broker peace between Russia and Ukraine, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and presidential envoy Steve Witkoff are headed to Paris this week. Their goal: accelerate efforts toward a negotiated end to the war that has dragged on for more than three years.
According to the State Department, Rubio and Witkoff will meet with European leaders on Thursday to discuss the United States’ strategy in bringing about a durable ceasefire. The meetings are described as part of President Donald Trump’s larger goal of halting the bloodshed and securing a long-term resolution to the conflict.
“They’ll hold talks with European counterparts to advance President Trump’s goal to end the Russia-Ukraine war and stop the bloodshed,” said Tammy Bruce, State Department spokeswoman.
A New Phase in Trump-Era Peace Diplomacy
The visit to France marks a significant step in Trump’s foreign policy as he attempts to position the United States not just as a power broker, but a potential peace negotiator. While past U.S. efforts have included security aid and sanctions, this phase leans heavily on diplomacy, spearheaded by figures like Witkoff and Rubio.
Rubio is also expected to address broader European security interests, particularly as Trump’s views on NATO and transatlantic alliances continue to spark anxiety among traditional allies. Recent Trump administration tariffs and sharp rhetoric toward longstanding partners have led to a more cautious tone from Brussels and other European capitals.
Ceasefire Efforts Face Resistance from Moscow
Though the Trump administration has prioritized halting hostilities, Russia has maintained daily strikes, despite a tentative 30-day pause on attacks targeting critical energy infrastructure agreed upon in March. The implementation of the agreement has been shaky at best, with both sides accusing the other of violations.
Ukraine has supported a comprehensive ceasefire, while Russia has conditioned its acceptance on a halt to Ukrainian mobilization efforts and a freeze on Western arms deliveries—terms that Kyiv and its allies have firmly rejected.
“There’s a clear mismatch in expectations,” said one European diplomat. “Ukraine wants an end to violence, Russia wants to rewrite the terms of its military leverage.”
Multiple Tracks: From Ukraine to Iran
Adding to the complexity of Witkoff’s mission is his expanding diplomatic portfolio. While working to facilitate peace in Ukraine, the Trump envoy has also been engaged in talks with Iranian officials over the country’s advancing nuclear ambitions.
Witkoff met with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi last weekend, according to diplomatic sources, to discuss measures that could prevent further uranium enrichment and revive dormant inspection protocols. More talks with Iran are expected to resume Saturday.
This dual-track diplomacy suggests that the Trump White House is attempting a sweeping foreign policy initiative that spans from Eastern Europe to the Middle East, using unconventional envoys and backchannels rather than traditional multilateral forums.
JD Vance Also Engaged in European Outreach
As Rubio and Witkoff conduct high-level diplomacy in France, Vice President JD Vance will be in Italy, meeting with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who is also expected to visit the White House this week. The coordinated diplomatic push signals an administration-wide effort to consolidate influence in global peacebuilding initiatives, even as Trump’s foreign policy remains controversial.
Vance’s broader itinerary includes meetings at the Vatican and a tour through India, where he will engage with leaders and visit culturally significant sites with his family.
Tensions Remain as Trump Eyes Closer Russia Ties
The peace talks in Paris come at a delicate moment. Many European officials remain cautious, given Trump’s past friendly rhetoric toward Russia, as well as his critiques of NATO and threats to reduce American commitments to the alliance.
There’s also skepticism over whether Russia is negotiating in good faith. While Witkoff’s recent meeting with President Vladimir Putin was seen as progress, no binding terms have been agreed upon.
Trump’s push for a ceasefire is being watched closely by Kyiv, Brussels, and Moscow—each with differing visions of what peace should look like and how the conflict should ultimately conclude.
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