Donald Trump is privately expressing his frustration about failing to keep his promise to end the Ukraine-Russia conflict before even taking office.
Recent reports suggest that he has confided in his closest advisers about his disappointment with Russian President Vladimir Putin, particularly after seeing Putin’s reluctance to end the war.
Trump has reportedly asked his aides whether they think Putin has changed since his first term, which ended in 2021.
This sense of frustration is compounded by his surprise at some of Putin’s war tactics, such as bombing areas populated by children.
The Reality of Negotiating with Putin
Publicly, Trump has acknowledged that negotiating peace with Putin is far more complicated than he initially anticipated.
He has said that Putin’s goal is to take all of Ukraine, which makes it harder to find a resolution.
This stance is starkly different from Trump’s bold promises made during a rally in Wisconsin last October, where he claimed he would settle the Ukraine war before taking office, even as president-elect.
He also vowed to end Middle Eastern chaos and prevent World War III, a promise that has not yet materialized.
Trump’s Struggle with the Israel-Gaza Conflict
In addition to the ongoing situation in Ukraine, Trump has also faced challenges with the Israel-Gaza conflict.
Despite his campaign promise to end the war in Gaza on his first day in office, that goal remains unfulfilled.
Trump has worked hard to encourage both sides to negotiate a resolution, but a ceasefire established in January quickly fell apart by March.
Trump has largely given Israel the go-ahead to continue its military operations until Hamas is defeated.
Trump recently acknowledged the difficulty of resolving the Gaza conflict, noting that the two sides have been in conflict for centuries.
The Trump Administration’s Peace Efforts
Trump’s spokeswoman, Anna Kelly, defended the administration’s efforts, highlighting successes such as a ceasefire agreement with the Houthis, the return of 47 detained Americans, increased NATO defense spending, and progress toward peace in Ukraine.
She emphasized that Team Trump is laser-focused on achieving global peace and protecting the interests of the U.S. and its allies.
Despite these efforts, critics, like Purdue University professor Kyle Haynes, argue that Trump’s repeated promises throughout the campaign have put him in a tough position, making it difficult to avoid criticism for not fulfilling them.
Putin’s Latest Attacks and Trump’s Response
Putin’s recent actions, including a missile strike on a trolley bus in April that killed 34 people, including children, have added pressure on Trump.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump expressed his shock at these actions and speculated that Putin may not be genuinely interested in ending the war.
He suggested that Putin’s behavior indicates a need for a different approach.
Senior officials within the Trump administration have also pointed to Russia as the main obstacle to peace, citing its refusal to agree to a ceasefire that Ukraine had already supported.
Shift in Focus from Zelensky to Russia
Trump’s approach to the war has shifted significantly.
Earlier, he and his ally, Vice President JD Vance, focused much of their ire on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, accusing him of not appreciating the U.S. aid given to Ukraine.
Trump even lashed out at Zelensky, claiming that without U.S. involvement, Ukraine wouldn’t have any cards to play in the conflict.
However, Trump has since resumed aid to Ukraine, although he still emphasizes the need for the fighting to end.
Efforts to Resolve the Gaza Conflict
Trump’s involvement in the Gaza conflict remains active, as his administration works to mediate between Israel and Hamas.
The conflict, which erupted in October after Hamas terrorists killed over 1,200 people in Israel, has resulted in widespread destruction in Gaza.
Despite a ceasefire brokered in January, fighting resumed after it collapsed in March.
As the conflict continues, Trump has expressed frustration over the violence and has even suggested that he is open to rebuilding Gaza under the right conditions.
His recent AI-generated video imagining a Trump hotel in Gaza reflects his long-term vision for the region, although it seems far from reality at this moment.
Trump’s Tough Stance on Hostages and Military Action
Trump has made it clear that he is willing to let Israel continue its military actions if Hamas does not release all hostages.
In early February, he stated that if the hostages were not returned by a specific deadline, he would consider canceling any ceasefire and allowing the conflict to escalate.
This hardline stance highlights his commitment to a strong military approach in the region.
What’s Next for Trump’s Foreign Policy?
As Trump navigates these complex international issues, questions remain about his ability to fulfill his ambitious promises.
While his administration has made some strides in foreign relations, the ongoing wars in Ukraine and Gaza remain significant challenges.
The future of these conflicts and Trump’s role in shaping their outcomes will likely continue to be a central topic in the coming months.