On Thursday, President Donald Trump publicly criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin, urging him to "STOP!" following a significant attack on Kyiv, Ukraine’s capital. Trump expressed his discontent over the Russian strikes, calling them unnecessary and poorly timed, as he emphasized the toll the conflict has taken, stating, "5000 soldiers a week are dying." This sentiment was shared on his Truth Social platform, where he also called for a prompt peace agreement.
The context of Trump’s remarks comes after a lengthy missile and drone assault by Russia on Kyiv resulted in at least 12 fatalities and left 90 individuals injured. This assault is noted as the deadliest on the city since last July. As peace talks led by the United States have stalled, Trump’s frustration has become increasingly evident.
Prior to his criticism of Putin, Trump had condemned Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, alleging that his refusal to surrender the Russia-occupied Crimean Peninsula was prolonging the conflict. Crimea has been under Russian control since its illegal annexation in 2014. Trump’s mention of “very bad timing” on Putin's part suggests he believes the Russian leader's recent military actions undermine any Russian efforts to secure favorable terms in peace negotiations that would allow them to retain control of Crimea and other occupied territories.
During an Oval Office meeting with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, Trump reiterated that Crimea was taken without resistance from Ukraine, highlighting that this annexation occurred during President Barack Obama’s administration. When asked what concessions Putin might make towards achieving peace, Trump suggested stopping the invasion altogether would be a significant concession—a view that has been met with criticism from Ukraine and much of Europe, as they do not consider halting aggression a meaningful negotiation stance.
Zelenskyy has consistently articulated that accepting Russia’s claims to occupied territories is a non-negotiable "red line" for Ukraine. This was underscored when he mentioned that Ukraine had accepted a U.S. ceasefire proposal 44 days prior as a preliminary step for peace, while acknowledging that Russian attacks continued unabated.
Trump’s unusual criticism of Putin is noteworthy, especially given his previous assertions that Russia was more amenable to negotiations than Ukraine. Reflecting on the recent attacks, Trump stated, "I didn’t like last night... I wasn’t happy with it." His assessments have focused on perceptions of leverage in the conflict, frequently indicating that Putin holds "the cards" in negotiations, while Zelenskyy does not.
During the same meeting, Prime Minister Støre emphasized the necessity for both sides to fulfill their obligations for peace. He remarked on the importance of U.S. engagement in facilitating an agreement, suggesting it is critical for moving towards a resolution of the conflict.
French President Emmanuel Macron has also voiced concern over Putin’s consistency, stating that he should "stop lying" about his intentions for peace while continuing military actions against Ukraine. Macron called for absolute clarity from Putin regarding an unconditional ceasefire and directed blame towards him as the singular source of aggression in the conflict.
In counter to Trump’s commentary regarding Ukraine’s position, the French Foreign Ministry asserted that the principle of Ukraine’s territorial integrity cannot be negotiated. The situation remains contentious, as U.S. officials have floated proposals allowing Russia to keep occupied territories, which have been met with significant resistance from Ukrainian officials who maintain that such conditions prolong the war.
As discussions evolve, the Biden administration's special envoy has been set to engage in talks with Russian officials, marking a continued U.S. effort to mediate the conflict. Meanwhile, NATO leaders are preparing for an upcoming summit, emphasizing the urgency for increased defense spending amid ongoing Russian aggression.
