9 hours Ago By Reshad Hudson
WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) - Tensions remain high as the U.S. navigates delicate peace talks abroad.
Top officials are weighing in, from cautious optimism to calls for a tougher stance against Russia.President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Zelenskyy met briefly in St. Peter’s Basilica on the sidelines of Pope Francis’s funeral.
"I think he wants to make a deal. I don't know if he wants to make a deal, I think he wants to make a deal,” said Trump.Secretary of State Marco Rubio warns tough compromises will need to be made.
"Both sides get something, and both sides have to give something up. That's a reality,” said Rubio.Former National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan feels optimistic.
"We handed off to the new team, quite a bit of leverage for Ukraine to get a good deal at the table,” said Sullivan.Louisiana Republican Senator John Kennedy says stronger action is needed."We need to stop all of the sales of oil.
We need to get Russia down and choke them. They're not going to come to the table otherwise,” said Kennedy.Meanwhile, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer is urging the White House not to abandon Ukraine.
"It would just be a moral tragedy to undercut Zelenskyy, which we, I believe Trump is headed in that direction,” said Schumer.Secretary Rubio says negotiators are racing against the clock, with key decisions expected in the coming days..
