U.S. to Shift Approach on Ending Russia-Ukraine War, Reducing Mediation Role

The United States is set to recalibrate its strategy for ending the war between Russia and Ukraine, signaling a step back from its previous mediating role while reaffirming its commitment to supporting peace efforts.
The Gaze reports on this with reference to the U.S. Department of State Briefing.
Speaking at a press briefing on May 1, U.S. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said the Trump's administration will no longer act as a primary mediator in the conflict.
“The Secretary’s also made it very clear that while our style will change, the methodology of how we contribute to this will change in that we will not be the mediators. That is what I mentioned on Tuesday, and the nature of how this would change is we would not – we certainly are still committed to it and will help and do what we can. But we are not going to fly around the world at the drop of a hat to mediate meetings, that it is now between the two parties, and now – now is the time that they need to present and develop concrete ideas about how this conflict is going to end,” Bruce explained.
The comments came in response to questions about possible new sanctions against entities assisting Russia, a topic that had recently been hinted at by former President Donald Trump. Bruce emphasized that Trump is focused on diplomatic solutions and recognizes the need to address multiple global issues.
Referencing recent remarks by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Bruce reiterated Washington’s intention to adopt a different approach. “It’s now up to the parties involved to propose and advance concrete ideas for ending this conflict,” she reaffirmed, indicating that Ukraine and Russia bear the primary responsibility for initiating viable peace negotiations.
Earlier in the week, Rubio had stated that the United States may step back from its mediating role if no meaningful progress toward peace is achieved. He described the current week as “critically important” in shaping the U.S. position on continuing its efforts to halt the war.
Despite the strategic shift, U.S. officials insist that their commitment to peace remains steadfast, albeit through a more supportive rather than hands-on role.
Read more on The Gaze: Why Recognizing Crimea as Russian Contradicts Decades of American Diplomacy