Online reports, according to the Financial Times, senior EU diplomats said that the EU is preparing a "Plan B" on how the EU will maintain economic sanctions against Russia if the Trump administration abandons the Ukraine peace talks and seeks reconciliation with Moscow. "Whether the Americans will leave (negotiations) is a question," said Karas, the EU's high representative for foreign affairs and security policy. We see signs that they are considering whether they should leave Ukraine rather than trying to reach a deal with Russia because it will be difficult." Earlier, a spokesman for U.S. Secretary of State Rubio said: "If there is no progress, the United States will withdraw from its role as mediator of this process." Kalas said there was a "Plan B" to maintain economic pressure on Russia if Hungary blocked an extension of EU economic sanctions in July, but stressed that Brussels remained focused on keeping all member states in line.