Former President Donald Trump is starting to change the way he talks about the war in Ukraine. After meeting briefly with Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky, Trump is now questioning whether Russia’s President Vladimir Putin is serious about wanting peace. This shift is important because Trump has often spoken about his ability to quickly solve the conflict. As Trump moves closer to his 100th day back in office, he is feeling the pressure to make progress. Let’s look at what happened, why Trump’s view is changing, and what it could mean for Ukraine, Russia, and the world. For a full breakdown of these developments, you can watch the discussion here.
A Short but Important Meeting
Trump and Zelensky met for only 15 minutes during a trip to Rome. Even though the meeting was short, it played a big role in fixing their rocky relationship. In the past, Trump had criticized Zelensky for not helping to investigate Hunter Biden. This caused a lot of tension between the two leaders. However, the recent meeting showed them sitting close together and having a serious conversation. It helped rebuild trust and showed that Trump was willing to listen.
Trump’s Change in Tone
After leaving Rome, Trump posted a message on his social media platform, Truth Social. In the post, he did not attack Zelensky as he had in the past. Instead, he showed frustration with Putin. This was a big change. Before, Trump often said he believed both sides wanted peace. Now, he is questioning whether Putin is being honest.
This change seems to have been influenced by the latest attacks on Ukraine. Russian forces launched a major wave of drone and missile strikes on Kyiv, causing huge destruction. It was the worst attack since the previous summer. Seeing this level of violence likely made Trump rethink whether Putin was acting in good faith.
Why the Meeting Mattered
For Zelensky, the meeting was a chance to reset relations with Trump. During Trump’s first term, conservative media often portrayed Zelensky in a bad light. Some even linked him to far-right military groups in Ukraine. The short meeting in Rome allowed Zelensky to personally speak to Trump and show that he is serious about defending his country.
This reset was important because Ukraine needs strong support from the United States. Building trust with Trump could help ensure continued American backing in Ukraine’s fight against Russia.
Peace Talks Still Stuck
Even though Trump is now more doubtful of Putin, peace talks are still a long way off. Ukraine and the United States have different ideas about what a deal should look like.
Ukraine wants strong security promises. They want NATO troops present in the country to prevent future invasions. On the other hand, the U.S. proposal, which many believe was influenced by Putin, would allow Russia to keep control of Crimea and other occupied areas. Ukraine finds this offer unacceptable.
One Ukrainian official said that while the situation looks tough, negotiations often start with impossible demands. The hope is that, over time, both sides can find a middle ground.
The Pressure of the 100-Day Mark
Trump promised that he could end the war within 24 hours of taking office. Now, with his 100th day approaching, he has little progress to show. This milestone is important because it sets the tone for the rest of his presidency. If Trump can achieve a breakthrough, it would be a major success. If not, critics will use it as evidence that he made promises he could not keep.
The need to show results may push Trump to take stronger actions or make bigger demands. It might also lead him to put more pressure on allies and even on Ukraine itself to reach a deal.
Talk of New Sanctions
Along with questioning Putin’s honesty, Trump and his team are discussing the idea of new economic sanctions against Russia. Earlier sanctions by the U.S. and Europe had some impact but did not fully cut off Russia’s ability to sell oil and gas. As a result, Russia has continued to fund its war effort.
Some officials believe there are ways to make sanctions tougher and cause real economic pain for Russia. However, it is still unclear if Trump will actually follow through. There is often a big difference between talking about sanctions and actually putting them in place.
What Happens Next?
The coming weeks will be important. Trump’s growing doubts about Putin could lead to a harder stance from the United States. New sanctions or stronger military support for Ukraine are possible. However, if Trump becomes frustrated with the lack of progress, he could also push Ukraine to accept a deal they do not like.
Meanwhile, Russia will likely continue its attacks. As long as they believe they can win through force, real peace talks will be difficult.
Trump’s changing attitude shows that even leaders who once believed in quick solutions are realizing that ending the war in Ukraine will not be easy. It will take time, strong alliances, and a clear understanding of what each side is willing to accept.
Conclusion
Donald Trump’s shift in thinking about Putin and the war in Ukraine is a big development. It shows that even confident leaders can change their views when faced with hard realities. The short meeting with Zelensky, the deadly attacks on Kyiv, and the slow progress toward peace have all played a part in shaping Trump’s new approach. As the 100-day mark approaches, all eyes will be on what Trump does next. Whether he pushes for stronger sanctions, increases support for Ukraine, or tries to force a quick deal, his choices will have a big impact on the future of the conflict.
