As Russia escalates attacks against Ukraine, we find ourselves at the crossroads of war and peace once again. With President Trump tirelessly working to clean up the foreign policy mess inherited from the disastrous Biden administration, the world watches closely as peace negotiations enter a pivotal, make-or-break phase.
This past week saw a disturbing increase in Russian hostilities, despite Moscow’s hollow promises of a ceasefire for the upcoming World War II Victory Day commemorations. Ukraine’s armed forces report 177 combat clashes in just one day—91 of which were devastating airstrikes targeting Ukrainian troops and civilians alike. Gen. Oleksandr Syrskyi, commander of Ukraine’s military, didn’t mince words, stating bluntly, “Despite loud statements of ceasefire readiness for the May holidays, the occupiers have significantly increased the intensity of the fighting.”
Meanwhile, in Washington, Secretary of State Marco Rubio called this a “very critical week” for peace talks. Speaking Sunday on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” Rubio said, “The last week has been about figuring out how close are these sides really, and are they close enough that this merits a continued investment of our time as a mediator in this regard.” He emphasized the urgency, declaring, “We’ve made real progress, but the last couple steps of this journey were always going to be the hardest. It needs to happen soon.”
Rubio is right to sound the alarm. America cannot indefinitely commit resources and diplomatic capital to a conflict that began because of the weakness and incompetence of the Biden administration. President Trump himself put it succinctly on Truth Social, writing, “This is Sleepy Joe Biden’s War, not mine. It was a loser from day one, and should have never happened.” Trump’s commitment to ending this senseless conflict and his determination to hold Putin accountable through sanctions has brought America back to a position of strength and respect on the world stage.
Yet, despite Trump’s persistent efforts, Putin’s recent actions reveal troubling intentions. With missiles raining down on civilian areas, Trump rightly questioned Putin’s sincerity, stating, “It makes me think that maybe he doesn’t want to stop the war, he’s just tapping me along, and has to be dealt with differently, through ‘Banking’ or ‘Secondary Sanctions?’ Too many people are dying!!!”
This moment requires decisive American leadership, one that puts America First and refuses to be dragged into endless foreign entanglements. President Trump has consistently championed policies that prioritize American interests—including border security, trade reform, reviving American manufacturing, and ending foreign wars. His approach to Ukraine is no different. Trump is clear-eyed about America’s role: as a mediator working toward peace, not as a global policeman sacrificing American blood and treasure.
But the question remains—does Putin truly seek peace, or is he merely stalling, exploiting our diplomatic goodwill to further his aggression? The current escalation casts doubt on Russia’s sincerity, and President Trump is right to prepare tougher sanctions. America’s patience, while generous, is not limitless.
We cannot forget how we arrived at this point. The Biden administration’s dangerous weakness invited aggression from Putin in the first place. Now, under President Trump’s firm hand, America is regaining strength and respect. Yet the road to peace remains fraught with uncertainty. Russia’s recent escalation underscores the urgency of this moment. As Rubio said, this week will be decisive in determining whether peace is achievable, or if America must pivot its focus to other pressing international challenges.
The MAGA movement stands resolute behind President Trump’s America First foreign policy. Americans understand that national security begins at home, but when we do engage abroad, it must be from a position of strength, clarity, and resolve. With Trump in the Oval Office, America is back in command. Putin—and the world—would do well to remember it.
