(MENAFN) U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has stated that President Donald Trump is becoming increasingly frustrated with Russia’s lack of progress in resolving the Ukraine conflict. Although Moscow says it remains open to negotiations, it insists that any peace deal must address its long-standing security concerns.

In an interview with Fox News on Saturday, Rubio said Trump has made repeated efforts to end the war, but has seen little cooperation from Moscow. “He’s done everything he can to bring this to a close. But I think he’s running out of patience,” Rubio explained, noting that despite multiple calls and seemingly positive interactions with Russian President Vladimir Putin, the efforts haven’t led to concrete results.

“He doesn’t want this war to drag on, even though it wasn’t one he started,” Rubio said, accusing Russia of intentionally stalling the peace process.

His remarks follow Trump’s recent ultimatum to Moscow, giving the Kremlin 50 days to agree to a ceasefire or face harsh new sanctions — including 100% tariffs on countries that purchase Russian oil.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov responded by warning that such threats would likely encourage Kiev to prolong the conflict rather than seek a peaceful resolution. Peskov acknowledged Trump’s “harsh” tone but said Moscow remains willing to engage with Washington to repair damaged relations.

Earlier this week, Russia and Ukraine held their third round of direct talks in Istanbul. Moscow proposed limited ceasefires to recover the wounded and dead and expressed willingness to continue prisoner swaps and return soldiers’ remains.

However, the two sides remain far apart on a final settlement. Moscow has demanded that Ukraine recognize the loss of five regions that joined Russia following referendums, withdraw its troops from those territories, adopt neutrality, and reduce its military strength. Kiev has firmly rejected these conditions, calling them an unacceptable ultimatum.

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