President Donald Trump recently suggested the United States might reduce its involvement in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, emphasizing that the issue primarily concerns the two nations.

According to Fox News, this statement comes shortly after Trump held phone calls with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and European leaders.

During a Wednesday meeting in the Oval Office with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Trump remarked, “This is a matter between Ukraine and Russia, not our soldiers or our people.”

Despite the U.S. taking on a mediator role since Trump’s inauguration in January, he indicated a potential shift in approach.

Trump referenced a call with Zelenskyy, noting the Ukrainian leader was in South Africa during their conversation. Zelenskyy had visited Ramaphosa in April but cut his trip short due to Russian attacks on Kyiv.

“I asked why Zelenskyy was in South Africa,” Trump said, to which Ramaphosa replied that Zelenskyy was engaging in discussions to promote peace.

In a Monday Truth Social post, Trump claimed progress in his call with Putin, stating both nations agreed to a ceasefire and to pursue peace talks.

However, he stressed that Moscow and Kyiv must lead future negotiations, as they alone understand the specifics of their discussions.

Trump also hinted at stepping back if talks stall, calling the conflict a “European situation” and expressing willingness to disengage if no breakthroughs occur.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt noted Trump’s growing frustration with both parties. Similarly, Vice President JD Vance described the talks as reaching an “impasse” due to deep mistrust between Russia and the West.

Vance emphasized that while the U.S. is open to facilitating peace, it may withdraw if progress falters. “This isn’t our war—it’s Biden’s and Putin’s,” Vance stated, adding that the U.S. would step aside if efforts to resolve the conflict fail.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned that failure by Russia to negotiate in good faith could lead to increased sanctions, coordinated with European allies.

“President Trump has been clear that the U.S. will not hesitate to escalate sanctions if Putin does not cooperate,” Bessent said in an NBC interview on Sunday.

As the U.S. signals a potential shift in its role, the path to peace between Russia and Ukraine remains uncertain, with Trump and his administration underscoring that resolution lies primarily with the two nations involved.