During a conversation with journalists, Donald Trump stated that he is giving Russian President Vladimir Putin another two weeks to determine the next steps in resolving the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Trump did not specify what actions he would take if Putin refuses not only a peace agreement but also a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, although Trump himself had earlier mentioned the possibility of such a meeting.
Trump noted that he may impose new large-scale sanctions against Russia, but a final decision will come only after two weeks. He emphasized that he would try to investigate who is responsible for the failure of the negotiations. However, it remains unclear what exact plan Trump has in mind.
At the same time, Trump’s rhetoric remains contradictory: he condemns Russian attacks on American enterprises in Ukraine, but supports the stance of Hungarian Prime Minister Orban regarding Ukraine’s actions against Russian infrastructure. In his statements, differences can be noted between criticism of the Indian Prime Minister for importing Russian oil and silence regarding European leaders engaged in similar activities.
Trump, meeting with journalists, showed a photo with Putin and said he would be glad to see the Russian president at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. However, lifting sanctions on Russia remains impossible as Putin provides no grounds for this. Meanwhile, Trump has not introduced new major sanctions despite repeatedly promising to do so if Putin refuses a ceasefire.
U.S. assistance to Ukraine continues, but it was approved under President Biden; further decisions on support stay uncertain as Trump’s team’s rhetoric changes. Currently, the U.S. does not demonstrate determination to provide additional funding for Ukraine’s defense.
Trump’s strategy continues to rely on delaying decisions, similar to Putin’s tactics. Promises to resolve the situation within “two to three weeks” have been voiced since Trump’s return to politics. However, new Kremlin positions stall negotiations—Moscow proposes starting with talks in international groups, avoids direct Zelensky-Putin meetings, and questions the legitimacy of Ukraine’s president.
The author analyzes that genuine settlement could occur only in several years, as both Trump and Putin avoid decisive steps towards peace. At the same time, Trump’s rhetoric creates additional reputation challenges in the U.S., where his actions regarding the war remain a source of controversy and criticism.
