In a significant shift, former President Donald Trump has voiced concerns about Russian President Vladimir Putin’s commitment to ending the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Trump’s doubts emerged following his second face-to-face meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, which took place at Pope Francis’ funeral in Rome.
The meeting marked a moment of reflection for Trump, who expressed his frustration over recent missile strikes by Russia that targeted civilian areas.
Trump Questions Putin’s Intentions Amid Civilian Strikes
Trump, who has long advocated for a peaceful resolution to the conflict, took to Truth Social to share his thoughts.
He wrote, “There was no reason for Putin to be shooting missiles into civilian areas, cities and towns, over the last few days.”
His post suggested that Putin might not genuinely seek an end to the war, as he had previously indicated. “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,” Trump continued.
His frustrations were amplified by the recent wave of Russian military strikes that killed dozens and caused widespread destruction. “T
Trump’s rhetoric as he pushes for a stronger response, including further sanctions on Russia.
Sanctions and Peace Talks: What’s Next?
As the situation escalates, there is growing support in the U.S. Senate for imposing additional sanctions on Russia.
Earlier this month, a bipartisan group of 25 Democrats and 25 Republicans introduced a bill aimed at increasing pressure on Russia.
This shift comes at a time when U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff visited Moscow to discuss a potential U.S.-brokered peace plan.
While Trump has long called for an end to the war, he has criticized Ukraine’s leadership, particularly Zelensky, for rejecting any peace agreement that would leave Russia in control of Crimea.
Despite these differences, it seems that relations between Trump and Zelensky have improved in recent days. Following their meeting in Vatican City, both leaders spoke positively about their discussion.
Zelensky referred to the encounter as “good” and “symbolic,” expressing hope for concrete results, such as a ceasefire and lasting peace.
He also emphasized the potential for the meeting to become “historic” if they can achieve joint results.
A Shift in Trump’s Tone Toward Putin
Trump’s growing frustration with Putin marks a noticeable shift from his previous stance.
Just a few months ago, in February, Trump had suggested that Ukraine had three years to end the conflict, adding, “You should have never started it,” referring to the Ukrainian leadership.
This comment was made during U.S.-led peace talks in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, which notably did not include Ukrainian negotiators.
During a tense Oval Office meeting with Zelensky shortly after those talks, Trump’s frustration boiled over.
The two leaders clashed over the U.S. involvement in the conflict, with Trump accusing Zelensky of not appreciating the massive financial aid the U.S. had provided to Ukraine.
The meeting escalated into a shouting match, with Trump warning Zelensky, “You’re gambling with World War III.”
The Future of U.S.-Ukraine Relations
The fallout from the Oval Office confrontation led Trump to briefly halt intelligence sharing with Ukraine, a decision that was reversed in March after Kyiv agreed to a 30-day ceasefire with Russia.
As the war continues, it remains unclear whether Trump’s increasingly tough stance on Putin will result in meaningful changes in the U.S.’s approach to the conflict, but his recent comments indicate a shift in both tone and strategy.