Trump: 'If Russia-Ukraine Peace Becomes Difficult, Mediation Will Stop'

'Tariff War' with China: "Having Very Good Talks"

U.S. President Donald Trump mentioned on the 18th (local time) that he might end diplomatic mediation for the end of the Ukraine war.

President Trump, speaking with reporters at the White House, said, "If one of the two parties (Russia and Ukraine) makes the situation very difficult, we will say, 'You are a fool. We will decline (further mediation efforts).'"

However, he also expressed hope that this would not be necessary, stating, "We want to see the end (of the war)."

He mentioned that the war is heading towards a critical phase and expressed a desire to reach a ceasefire agreement "quickly."

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who visited France for the peace negotiations, also pressured both sides by stating that if there is no progress in negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, the U.S. will stop mediating as he left Paris.

Secretary Rubio emphasized, "We need to determine within days whether this issue (ceasefire) is possible," adding, "If not, President (Trump) can say, 'We are done here.'"

Meanwhile, President Trump commented on the tariff war with China, saying, "We are having good talks with China. Really very good."

Reporter Oh Se-sung, Hankyung.com sesung@hankyung.com