President Donald Trump has publicly questioned Russian President Vladimir Putin’s commitment to ending the war in Ukraine, suggesting that Putin may be misleading him. This marks a significant shift in Trump’s approach to the conflict.
Following a private meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at Pope Francis‘ funeral in Rome, Trump expressed frustration over recent Russian missile attacks on Ukrainian cities. In a post on Truth Social, he stated, “It makes me think that maybe he doesn’t want to stop the war, he’s just tapping me along, and has to be dealt with differently, through “Banking” or “Secondary Sanctions?” Too many people are dying!!!”
This statement comes just a day after Trump indicated optimism about a potential peace deal between Ukraine and Russia. However, the continued aggression from Russian forces has led him to reconsider Putin’s intentions.
The meeting between Trump and Zelensky was their first since a tense Oval Office exchange in February. Both parties described the recent discussion as productive, focusing on achieving a ceasefire and lasting peace.
Trump’s evolving stance reflects growing skepticism about Russia’s willingness to negotiate in good faith. He has previously been criticized for his conciliatory approach toward the Kremlin, but recent events suggest a potential shift toward a more assertive policy.
The administration is now considering additional economic measures, including banking and secondary sanctions, to pressure Russia into ending the conflict. These steps aim to protect Ukrainian civilians and uphold international norms.
As the situation develops, the international community watches closely to see whether Trump’s renewed pressure will lead to meaningful progress toward peace in Ukraine.
