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ICYMI: State Department Cuts, Ukraine And American Diplomacy

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky gestures as he speaks during a press conference in Kyiv on amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
TETIANA DZHAFAROVA
/
AFP via Getty Images
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky gestures as he speaks during a press conference in Kyiv on amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

The White House has issued an ultimatum on the war in Ukraine. Vice President JD Vance said Wednesday that the U.S. would walk away from the peace process unless Ukraine and Russia accepted America's terms – terms which heavily favor Russia.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has rejected the deal which calls for Ukraine to cede its territory currently occupied by Russia. Thursday morning, Russia launched its deadliest attacks on Kyiv in months.

Meanwhile, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced this week he's overhauling his agency – saying it will lose 15 percent of its personnel and 132 offices.

What will that mean for the situation in Ukraine and for the future of American diplomacy?

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