During his campaign, U.S. President Donald Trump repeatedly claimed that he could end the conflict between Russia and Ukraine within 24 hours if re-elected for a second term. However, since his inauguration on Jan. 20, the path to a peace agreement has been complicated by shifting dynamics among Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Trump’s stance towards both Zelenskyy and Putin has changed over the course of the year. Recently, Trump threatened to impose tariffs on Russia if a peace deal to end the war in Ukraine is not reached within 50 days, demonstrating his growing frustration with Putin. While initially showing admiration towards Putin at the beginning of his second term, Trump has increasingly criticized the Russian leader for obstructing U.S.-led peace efforts and prolonging the conflict.
Previously, Trump had suggested that Russia appeared more willing than Ukraine to reach a resolution. However, following a meeting in February, Trump has shifted his position and pledged to provide Ukraine with Patriot air defense missiles in response to increased Russian attacks.
The conflict in Ukraine has escalated, with casualties reaching a three-year high in June. Thousands of soldiers on both sides have lost their lives since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022.
Here is a summary of Trump’s statements and actions in his second term so far:
– Jan. 31: Trump expressed a desire to end the war in Ukraine, stating that the conflict would not have started if he were president.
– Feb. 19: Trump criticized Zelenskyy on social media, prompting backlash from both Democrats and Republicans in the U.S.
– Feb. 28: An argument between Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and Zelenskyy over diplomacy with Putin led to the cancellation of the rest of Zelenskyy’s White House visit.
– March 30: Trump expressed trust in Putin, stating that he believed the Russian leader would keep his word.
The situation remains complex and the road to a peace agreement continues to face challenges.
The Russian president was urged by Trump to fulfill his part of a potential peace agreement. These remarks represented some of the few positive comments made by Trump about Putin during the year.
On April 24, Trump expressed dissatisfaction with the Russian strikes on Kyiv, deeming them unnecessary and ill-timed. He implored Putin to halt the violence, citing the significant loss of life occurring weekly and urging for the swift finalization of a Peace Deal.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump reacted to Russia’s assault on Kyiv using missiles and drones. This marked a rare instance of criticism towards Putin amidst escalating attacks on Ukraine.
By April 29, Trump acknowledged the tragic loss of life among Ukrainians, stating, “A lot of his people are dying. They’re being killed, and I feel very badly about it.” This sentiment arose following a meeting with Zelenskyy after Pope Francis’ funeral, indicating a shift in Trump’s stance towards the Ukrainian president.
By May 25, Trump noticed a shift in Putin’s behavior, describing him as “absolutely CRAZY” as Moscow intensified its attacks on Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities.
During a closed-door meeting with Zelenskyy at a NATO summit in The Hague on June 25, Trump recognized the Ukrainian president’s cordiality and expressed a desire for a resolution to the conflict. He hinted at the potential of sending Patriot air-defense missiles to Ukraine.
On July 8, Trump expressed frustration with Putin, highlighting the deceptive nature of their interactions and criticizing Russia’s actions in Ukraine, resulting in the loss of lives on both sides. He announced plans to increase weapons shipments to Ukraine, a reversal of a prior decision to pause deliveries.
By July 13, Trump voiced disappointment in Putin’s actions, condemning his rhetoric and subsequent military operations in Ukraine.
During an Oval Office meeting on July 14 with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, Trump intensified his stance against Putin, implying consequences if a peace deal was not reached within 50 days. Talks included plans for European allies to procure military equipment for transfer to Ukraine.
For more on the ongoing war in Ukraine, follow AP’s coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine
