Trump Doubts Putin’s Commitment to Ukraine Peace Deal/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Donald Trump expressed doubts that Vladimir Putin truly wants to end the Ukraine war, just one day after suggesting a peace deal was close. Trump cited continued Russian attacks on civilians as cause for skepticism. Talks between the U.S. and Ukraine continue amid shifting dynamics.
Trump Putin Ukraine Ceasefire Quick Looks
- Trump questions Putin’s willingness to negotiate a Ukraine peace deal.
- Skepticism follows Trump’s earlier claim a deal was “very close.”
- Trump hints at potential new sanctions on Russia.
- Trump and Zelenskyy met briefly during Pope Francis’ funeral.
- Trump previously paused U.S. aid after heated Oval Office meeting.
- Russia continues missile strikes inside Ukraine.
- Zelenskyy stresses need for unconditional ceasefire and lasting peace.
- Trump suggests Ukraine must cede Crimea to achieve resolution.
Trump Doubts Putin’s Commitment to Ukraine Peace Deal
Deep Look
Trump Voices Doubts About Putin’s Intentions to End Ukraine War After Brief Optimism
ROME — President Donald Trump voiced serious doubts Saturday about Russian President Vladimir Putin’s willingness to end the war in Ukraine, casting new uncertainty on diplomatic efforts just a day after he had declared a peace deal was close.
“There was no reason for Putin to be shooting missiles into civilian areas, cities, and towns over the last few days,” Trump said in a social media post as he flew home to the United States following Pope Francis’ funeral at the Vatican.
“Too many people are dying!!!” Trump emphasized, suggesting that Putin may be “tapping me along” without real intent to negotiate.
Sharp Shift in Tone
Trump’s comments marked a stark reversal from his previous optimism. Only a day earlier, after his envoy Steve Witkoff met Putin in Moscow, Trump claimed that Ukraine and Russia were “very close to a deal.”
The abrupt shift came after Trump’s face-to-face meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the Vatican, their first in-person discussion since a tense Oval Office confrontation in February that temporarily paused U.S. military aid to Ukraine.
During that earlier confrontation, frustration over strategy and demands nearly derailed the alliance, and Trump openly considered — and still threatens — imposing new economic sanctions and tariffs against Russia. Thus far, he has not acted, but pressure is building from within his own Republican Party to take a harder line.
This is the second time in just days that Trump publicly rebuked Putin, a figure he historically approached with cautious praise. Earlier this week, Trump had issued a blunt plea on social media for Putin to “STOP!” following a deadly missile barrage on Kyiv.
Vatican Meeting Sets Somber Stage
The Trump-Zelenskyy meeting took place inside St. Peter’s Basilica, on the marble floors where Pope Francis had often called for peace. The timing — during the funeral of the late pope — lent symbolic weight to their brief 15-minute conversation.
Afterward, Zelenskyy described the encounter as a “good meeting,” expressing hope for “full and unconditional ceasefire” and “reliable, lasting peace.”
“We discussed a lot one on one. Hoping for results on everything we covered,” Zelenskyy posted on X (formerly Twitter).
The White House similarly described the meeting as “very productive” but provided few additional details.
Despite initial plans to meet again later Saturday, tight schedules prevented a second encounter before Trump boarded Air Force One to return to Washington.
Ongoing Challenges to Peace
While Trump continues pressing both sides to find a solution, achieving a ceasefire remains elusive. Although Zelenskyy has agreed to a proposed American plan for a 30-day halt to hostilities, Russia has not signed on and continues its airstrikes across Ukrainian territory.
Putin’s absence from Pope Francis’ funeral was notable but unsurprising. He faces an outstanding arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court over alleged war crimes committed during the conflict.
Zelenskyy stressed Friday night that “very significant meetings” were planned for the coming days. He reiterated Ukraine’s demand for “real pressure” on Russia, calling for a reliable, unconditional ceasefire followed by negotiations guaranteeing peace and security.
“Diplomacy must succeed. And we are doing everything to make diplomacy truly meaningful and finally effective,” Zelenskyy said.
Crimea Remains a Sticking Point
In a Time magazine interview published Friday, Trump declared, “Crimea will stay with Russia,” arguing that “everybody understands that it’s been with them for a long time.”
While Trump’s view reflects a hard pragmatism, it contrasts sharply with Zelenskyy’s position. Ukraine continues to insist on the full return of Crimea and all other territories captured by Russia since the 2022 invasion.
The U.S. president’s statement adds another layer of complexity to any potential peace talks. Analysts suggest that securing a ceasefire without addressing territorial disputes — particularly Crimea — could either offer a path to temporary peace or risk sowing seeds for future conflict.
As Trump returns to Washington, both the opportunities for a diplomatic breakthrough and the dangers of renewed escalation loom large.
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