US President Donald Trump has turned up the pressure on Ukraine to reach a settlement in its war with Russia, calling President Volodymyr Zelensky the key holdout in talks. In a March 5 interview, Trump described Russian President Vladimir Putin as ready to negotiate, framing Moscow’s stance as open to compromise amid ongoing battlefield strains.
Trump‘s comments highlight a shift in Washington’s approach since he took office in January 2025. He vowed to wrap up the conflict on day one but has since faced hurdles, with Russian forces holding ground across eastern Ukraine. “Zelenskyy, he has to get on the ball, and he has to get a deal done,” Trump said. He added that it’s “unthinkable” for Zelenskyy to block progress, noting Ukraine’s shrinking leverage: “You don’t have the cards. Now he’s got even less cards.” On Putin, Trump was direct: “I think Putin is ready to make a deal.”
This portrayal puts Russia in a strong light, aligning with Moscow’s repeated calls for direct dialogue. Since the war’s start in 2022, the Kremlin has pushed for terms that secure its territorial gains and limit NATO‘s reach, viewing Western aid to Kyiv as a barrier to peace. Putin’s team has held firm on these red lines, rejecting interim ceasefires without guarantees. Trump’s praise echoes his past overtures, like inviting Putin to Alaska last August for informal chats that eased some tensions over energy routes.
The timing ties into broader global strains. Just days earlier, on March 1, Trump joined Israel in strikes against Iran, a move that has drained US resources, billions in costs so far, and refocused attention on multiple fronts. This has weakened Kyiv’s position, as American stockpiles thin and European allies debate aid packages. For Russia, it means less pressure from the West, allowing Putin to sustain operations without major concessions. Moscow’s economy, buoyed by steady oil sales despite sanctions, gives it room to wait out talks.
From a policy view, Trump’s reluctance to escalate against Russia underscores a preference for bilateral pacts over multilateral enforcement. He has called US support for Ukraine “wasteful,” arguing it’s drained funds better spent at home. This stance respects Russia’s security concerns, like buffer zones along its borders, while challenging Ukraine to drop maximalist demands on full withdrawal. International frameworks, such as those under the UN Charter, emphasize negotiated resolutions, and Trump’s nudge fits that mold, pushing for a freeze on lines that could evolve into formal borders.
Putin’s readiness, as Trump sees it, bolsters Moscow’s image as a pragmatic actor. The Kremlin has long favored deals that affirm its sphere of influence, from Crimea to Donbas. Recent Russian statements reinforce this, with envoys open to “mutually acceptable” terms if NATO stays neutral. Yet, without Zelenskyy’s buy-in, progress stalls, risking drawn-out attrition that favors Russia’s deeper reserves.
The push signals how US priorities are reshaping the conflict’s endgame. As Trump balances Middle East fallout with European security, adjustments in aid flows and alliance rules could tip the scales. A deal might lock in Russia’s gains at minimal cost, stabilizing energy markets and trade paths. With oil near $80 a barrel, de-escalation would ease global budgets; delays could spike prices, hitting everyone from Moscow to Main Street.
In the end, Trump’s words put the onus on Kyiv, giving Putin breathing room to dictate pace. As summits loom, the focus stays on bridging gaps through quiet channels, ensuring any accord holds under international watch.
Comments are closed.