U.S. President Donald Trump made new comments on the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, expressing doubts that Russia’s President Vladimir Putin wants to end the war anytime soon.
Trump’s remarks, shared on social media, came after a visit to the Vatican, where he briefly met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. His changing stance on the war contrasts with earlier optimistic views he expressed about a potential peace deal.
Trump Questions Putin’s Desire for Peace
Trump’s skepticism about Putin’s intentions emerged after Russia’s recent missile attacks on Ukrainian cities. He expressed his concern over the attacks, saying that there was no reason for Putin to target civilian areas if he truly wanted peace.
The president suggested that Putin might be dragging out the conflict, possibly in an effort to get better terms in negotiations.
Trump hinted at the possibility of imposing additional sanctions on Russia, emphasizing that more pressure might be needed to force Putin to negotiate seriously.
He expressed frustration over the ongoing loss of life in the war, adding that the situation may require more decisive actions like banking sanctions or secondary sanctions to change Russia’s approach.
A Shift in Trump’s Stance on Peace Talks
Trump had previously suggested that Russia and Ukraine were “very close to a deal” to end the war. This statement was made following the meetings between his special envoy, Steve Witkoff, and Putin in Moscow.
However, Trump’s recent comments paint a different picture. While he had expressed hope that peace was achievable, the missile attacks and the continued violence led him to question the sincerity of Putin’s commitment to peace.
This shift in tone also comes amid rising pressure from Republican allies in the U.S. to impose tougher sanctions on Russia. Senator Chuck Grassley urged Trump to take a firmer stance against Putin, claiming that Russia was playing the U.S. and exploiting the situation.
The Trump-Zelensky Meeting at the Vatican
Trump’s meeting with Ukrainian President Zelensky at the Vatican was a significant moment in international diplomacy. This was the first time the two leaders met face-to-face since their heated exchange at the White House in February.
Their previous meeting had resulted in a temporary pause of U.S. military assistance to Ukraine, which raised questions about Trump’s support for Ukraine’s defense.
At the Vatican, the meeting was brief but productive, according to both leaders. Zelensky described it as a “good meeting,” expressing hope that it could lead to meaningful results.
They discussed the need for a ceasefire, protecting Ukrainian lives, and finding a lasting peace solution. The meeting occurred on the day of Pope Francis’ funeral, an event that called for reflection on peace and diplomacy.
Trump’s Stance on Territory and Crimea
In addition to his remarks on peace talks, Trump made a bold statement about Crimea, the Ukrainian peninsula that Russia annexed in 2014. Trump said that “Crimea will stay with Russia,” a position that contrasts with Ukraine’s goal of regaining the territory.
This statement has drawn criticism, as the annexation of Crimea is widely considered illegal by most countries, including the United States.
Trump’s comments on Crimea highlight the challenges of finding a peaceful resolution to the war. While he advocates for a quick end to the conflict, his position on territorial issues complicates the prospects of a peace deal that both Russia and Ukraine could agree on.
Zelensky’s Call for Peace and Ceasefire
Ukrainian President Zelensky has continued to call for a full and unconditional ceasefire as a first step towards peace.
He emphasized the need for real pressure on Russia to accept a ceasefire agreement, either through U.S. proposals or Ukrainian terms. Zelensky remains committed to ensuring that any peace agreement guarantees Ukraine’s security and dignity.