US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has stated that Donald Trump's patience with the Russian-Ukrainian war is running out, and he is unwilling to keep waiting for Moscow's steps to end the conflict. Rubio recalled that Trump does not consider this his war, but he wants to bring it to a close. The US President is frustrated by Putin's lack of real compromise, even after several phone conversations failed to achieve a cease-fire.
Washington has concluded that Russia is stalling for time and avoiding concessions. Trump does not intend to engage in endless, fruitless talks, as emphasized by Marco Rubio on Fox News. At the same time, questions remain about what actions the US President might take if he eventually loses patience. One potential move is to increase military aid to Ukraine, although the scale of such support will depend on whether European partners are willing to fund it.
Another option under consideration is that the US may introduce tougher sanctions against Russia. Trump may impose secondary sanctions or raise tariffs against countries that buy Russian energy, including China or India. However, the effectiveness of this measure is uncertain, as China maintains a strategic partnership with Russia and is unlikely to stop importing Russian oil in response to Trump’s actions.
Analysts emphasize that the effectiveness of tough US measures depends not only on Trump’s resolve but also on Putin’s willingness to shift his stance. For the Kremlin, the war with Ukraine remains a top priority despite economic risks. For now, Putin is not showing readiness to take steps that would convince Washington of intentions to end the conflict. Thus, the outcome of the war and US-Russia relations will hinge on the future decisions of both leaders.