Donald Trump says US could walk away from Ukraine peace talks if they are too difficult

Donald Trump has warned the US might "take a pass" on Ukraine peace efforts if the process proves too challenging. This latest ultimatum from the Trump administration comes as their previous deal to stop airstrikes on energy infrastructure came to an end.

However, the author of 'The Art of the Deal' remains optimistic, claiming there's a "good chance" of success. US officials have expressed frustration with the lack of progress this week, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio telling UK, EU, and representatives at peace talks in Paris that America would "move on" if no resolution is found in the next few days and weeks.

Downing Street has confirmed that spoke with the US President over the phone on Friday, though the specifics of the conversation were not disclosed. Foreign Secretary David Lammy said these discussions highlighted a "shared commitment to global security."

Speaking at the White House on Friday, agreed with his secretary's sentiments, stating: "Marco is right in saying ... we want to see it end. If for some reason one of the two parties makes it very difficult, we're going to say you're fools, you're foolish, and we're just going to take a pass."

Yet, he went on to express his belief that there's "a good chance of solving the problem". When questioned about Russian President Vladimir Putin possibly stalling talks, Mr Trump responded: "I hope not."

At the same time, the US and Ukraine finally signed a memorandum marking progress towards a delayed mineral deal which could see greater American involvement in the country.

The Paris talks represented a significant milestone in themselves, as they were the first major consultations between British, French, and White House officials since separate meetings in Washington with Sir Keir and French President Emmanuel Macron in February.

After departing from Paris, Mr Rubio informed the press that the US government is eager to determine "very soon, and I'm talking about a matter of days, not a matter of weeks" if it's possible to bring an end to the war.

"If it can, we're prepared to do whatever we can to facilitate that and make sure that it ... ends in a durable and just way. If it's not possible, if we're so far apart that this is not going to happen, then I think the president's probably at a point where he's going to say, well, we're done."

He continued: "We need to figure out here now, within a matter of days, whether this is doable in the short term, because if it's not, then I think we're just going to move on."

Efforts to reach peace have been on shaky ground after Moscow turned down a ceasefire arrangement last month, previously agreed upon by the US and Ukraine. In the meantime, the UK and France are attempting to form a coalition of nations ready to uphold a truce should one be established.

Following the discussions in Paris, Mr Lammy said: "Unity is our strength. Today's meetings with France, the US, Ukraine and Germany underscore our shared commitment to global security."

He also stated: "We are working hard with allies to secure a lasting peace in Ukraine. Russia must agree to an immediate, full and unconditional ceasefire as Ukraine has done."

Ukraine's economy minister, Yulia Svyrydenko, announced on X that a memorandum of intent has been signed with the US, marking a step towards an economic partnership agreement between the two countries.

This move paves the way for an agreement that would provide the US with access to Ukraine's mineral resources. Ms Svyrydenko also mentioned that a final deal would include an investment fund dedicated to the reconstruction of Ukraine.

US officials have expressed optimism that an agreement could be finalised by the end of next week.