The US administration under President Donald Trump is increasing pressure on Ukraine, threatening to stop participating in negotiations to resolve the conflict with Russia if Kyiv obstructs the peace process. This was reported on April 18, 2025, by Axios, citing sources in diplomatic circles. According to them, Washington's threats are primarily directed against Ukraine, not Russia, which is causing serious concern among European allies. European diplomats fear that the US withdrawal from the negotiating initiative will lead to the suspension of American military aid to Kyiv, which could sharply weaken Ukraine's position in the confrontation with Russia.

Axios sources stressed that neither Secretary of State Marco Rubio nor President Trump mentioned any intention to increase pressure on Moscow, focusing criticism on the actions of the Ukrainian leadership. Trump previously said the United States would leave the negotiating process if either side sabotaged it, but the sources said that warning was more aimed at Kyiv. This change in rhetoric reflects the Trump administration’s desire to speed up the peace agreement, even if it requires concessions from Ukraine, including possible recognition of Crimea as Russian, as Bloomberg reported on April 18, 2025.