Donald Trump failed to accomplish the set task – to achieve a ceasefire in Ukraine by Easter. However, on the eve, a noticeable diplomatic activation still took place – simultaneously with direct threats from the Americans to withdraw from the process altogether.

Vance's comments followed separate news that Ukraine and the US took the first step towards striking a minerals deal, after an initial agreement was derailed when a February meeting between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky erupted into a public shouting match.