The United States’ mediation efforts to resolve the war between Russia and Ukraine have encountered serious difficulties. According to reports from Western diplomats and officials, US President Donald Trump is gradually stepping back from active participation in the negotiations, which significantly impacts the dynamics of international efforts to end the conflict.
This is reported by Kyiv24
The Military Conflict in the Middle East Distracts the US
One of the key reasons for the shift in Washington’s foreign policy priorities has been the US and Israel’s war against Iran. As a result, the attention of American leadership has focused on regional events in the Middle East, leading to a slowdown in support for Ukraine. European diplomats reported that American officials recently informed their European Union partners of their lack of intention to intensify sanctions against the Russian oil and gas sector.
“There has indeed been a pause in the negotiations. The Americans have other priorities, and that is understandable,” said Dmitry Peskov, spokesperson for the Russian president, to the Financial Times.
European politicians and diplomats believe that the US focus on the conflict with Iran could have negative consequences for Ukraine and the EU. Reports have emerged of delays in the supply of American weapons, including air defense systems, raising concerns among European partners. The head of European diplomacy, Josep Borrell, emphasized that this situation poses a serious problem for European security.
Breakdown of Negotiations and Tensions Between Russia and Europe
The initial rounds of negotiations involving Russia, Ukraine, and the US took place in late January and early February 2026 in the UAE and Switzerland. However, the planned meeting in March did not occur due to the escalation of hostilities in the Middle East.
Furthermore, according to the Financial Times, Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov bluntly rejected French diplomats’ attempts to involve Europe in the peace process. During February negotiations in Moscow, advisors to French President Emmanuel Macron, Bonn and Bertrand Bukhvalter, received a categorical refusal to include EU representatives in the talks between Russia, Ukraine, and the US. Ushakov reportedly used vulgar language in response to this request.
Dmitry Peskov, commenting on the incident, accused European countries of unwillingness to facilitate a peaceful resolution and stressed that Europeans are pressuring Ukraine to prolong the war. According to him, Russia is confident in its advantage, and the current situation on the front is favorable for the Russian army.
US President Donald Trump emphasized in a conversation with NBC News that, in his opinion, it is Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s position that is the main obstacle to a peace agreement:
“I am surprised that Zelensky does not want to make a deal. Tell Zelensky to make a deal because Putin is ready to make a deal. It is much harder to negotiate with Zelensky,” Trump said.
Trump also explained that the temporary easing of sanctions against Russian oil is due to the energy crisis resulting from the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. He promised to restore restrictions after tensions with Iran are resolved, noting that the current conditions for new agreements with Tehran are not yet acceptable.
The closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which is one of the strategic routes for transporting oil and gas from the Middle East, has caused a sharp increase in Brent crude prices—over $100 per barrel. At the same time, vessels attempting to pass through the strait are facing attacks.
On February 28, the US and Israel launched a joint military operation against Iran, resulting in the elimination of the country’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, as well as strikes on military and nuclear facilities. In response, Iran has carried out missile strikes on Israeli territory and on bases and facilities of US allies in the Persian Gulf region.