Trump voices skepticism over Putin's readiness to terminate the Ukraine conflict, a day following his assertion that a resolution was imminent.
Rewritten Article:
The Never-Ending Dance of War: Trump's Double-Edged Sword
Donald Trump, the 45th President of the United States, has once again expressed his doubts about Russia's President Vladimir Putin's will to end the Ukraine conflict, raising questions about the prospect of a peaceful resolution. Just a day prior, Trump had stated that Ukraine and Russia were on the brink of a deal.
Taking to social media aboard Air Force One after attending Pope Francis' funeral, Trump expressed his concerns about Putin's intensified bombardment of civilian areas in Ukraine. He hinted at potential further sanctions against Russia, suggesting, "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!!!"
Trump's renewed skepticism comes as he and his advisors intensify their efforts to reach a settlement to the conflict, which commenced in February 2022 when Russia invaded Ukraine. His comments starkly contrasted with his previous assessment that the two sides were "very close to a deal" following Special Envoy Steve Witkoff's meeting with Putin in Moscow.
The face-to-face encounter between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on the sidelines of the pope's funeral was their first since their heated Oval Office meeting at the White House in late February. This confrontation led to a brief pause in U.S. military assistance and intelligence sharing with Ukraine.
In the days following the aid pause, Trump announced he was "strongly considering" imposing new sanctions and tariffs on Russia to encourage Putin to engage in earnest negotiations. However, he has yet to institute these measures, even as some of his Republican allies pressure him to do so.
Senator Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, recently urged Trump to impose "tough sanctions on Putin," contending there is "clear evidence that he is playing America as a patsy."
This is the second time in quick succession that Trump has rebuked Putin, whom he rarely publicly criticizes. On Thursday, Trump publicly urged Putin to "STOP!" after a deadly barrage of attacks on Kyiv, Ukraine's capital.
Following their brief meeting, Zelenskyy's office revealed that arrangements were being made for the leaders to talk again that same day. However, Trump departed for Rome airport immediately after the funeral and boarded Air Force One for the 10-hour flight back to the U.S., preventing a second meeting. Zelenskyy's spokesperson attributed the absence of a second meeting to their tight schedules.
Zelenskyy described their encounter after the funeral as a "good meeting" on social media, expressing hope for results on the issues they discussed, including protecting civilians, achieving a full and unconditional ceasefire, and securing a reliable and lasting peace.
The White House characterized the conversation as "very productive," with the meeting lasting approximately 15 minutes within St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican. The Vatican has long offered to facilitate peace talks and Pope Francis frequently urged peace and dialogue from the altar of the basilica. The fact that Trump and Zelenskyy had a private, face-to-face conversation, during the day of the pope's funeral, echoed Francis' wishes for a peaceful end to the war.
Trump had suggested on social media, after arriving in Italy late Friday, that Russia and Ukraine should engage in "high-level talks" to end the war. Neither Putin nor Zelenskyy has commented on Trump's calls for direct talks.
Trump has been insistent about both sides quickly reaching a peace agreement, with Ukraine agreeing to an American plan for an initial 30-day ceasefire, but Russia yet to sign on and continuing to strike at targets within Ukraine. Putin did not attend Francis' funeral, as he faces an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court for allegations of war crimes stemming from Moscow's invasion of Ukraine.
Zelenskyy, meanwhile, indicated that "significant meetings" may take place in the near future and reiterated his calls for an unconditional ceasefire. He emphasized the need for real pressure on Russia to accept either the U.S. proposal for a ceasefire or Ukraine's proposal—whichever one can truly work and ensure a reliable, immediate, and unconditional ceasefire, followed by a dignified peace and security guarantees.
"Diplomacy must succeed. And we are doing everything to make diplomacy truly meaningful and finally effective," Zelenskyy stated.
Insights:
- U.S. Peace Framework: The proposed U.S. peace framework involves Ukraine accepting Russia's annexation of Crimea and unofficial control of parts of the Donbas, with U.S. recognition of Crimea as Russian territory. U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff held a meeting with Putin to discuss potential resumption of direct talks and Ukraine’s right to maintain its military.
- Trump's Role: Trump has made brokering a deal a top foreign policy goal, pressing Ukraine to negotiate while offering Russia concessions like territorial recognition. His approach has jumpstarted stalled negotiations, but has also been met with opposition from European allies and Kyiv, who fear it rewards Russian aggression and risks Ukraine's sovereignty.
- Trump's renewed doubts about Putin ending the Ukraine conflict raise questions about a peaceful resolution, particularly in the context of war-and-conflicts and politics.
- Despite potential further sanctions and tariffs against Russia, Trump has yet to institute these measures, as some advisors and Republican allies like Senator Chuck Grassley urge for tougher action against Putin.
- Diplomacy remains a key strategy for Trump in ending the Ukraine conflict, with him offering suggestions for high-level talks between Russia and Ukraine.
- Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed hope for results on issues like protecting civilians, achieving a full and unconditional ceasefire, and securing a reliable and lasting peace following his meeting with Trump.
- Putin's bombardment of civilian areas in Ukraine and his alleged war crimes have resulted in an International Criminal Court arrest warrant, preventing his attendance at the pope's funeral.
- AI and banking may serve as alternative strategies for dealing with Putin, as suggested by Trump in his social media posts.
- Despite the ongoing differences, Zelenskyy remains optimistic about significant meetings and the possibility of a unconditional ceasefire, emphasizing the need for meaningful and effective diplomacy to ensure peace and security.
