President Donald Trump said Saturday he now doubts that Russia’s Vladimir Putin wants to end the war in Ukraine, casting skepticism just a day after claiming the two countries were “very close to a deal.”
Speaking on social media while returning from Pope Francis’ funeral at the Vatican, Trump criticized recent Russian missile attacks on civilian areas, saying they raise doubts about Putin’s intentions.
Trump suggested the possibility of imposing further sanctions against Russia, including “banking” or “secondary sanctions,” to increase pressure.
The comments come after Trump’s special envoy met with Putin in Moscow, raising earlier hopes for progress toward peace.
Trump briefly met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on the sidelines of the funeral, their first face-to-face conversation since a heated White House meeting months earlier.
The White House described their discussion as “very productive,” while Zelenskyy called it a “good meeting,” expressing hope for a reliable and lasting peace.
Although Trump previously threatened to impose new sanctions on Russia, he has yet to follow through, drawing pressure from allies like U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley.
Experts warn that prolonged delays could undermine diplomatic efforts and worsen the humanitarian crisis.
Trump’s more critical stance on Putin marks a rare public rebuke from the American president, who also urged Russia to “STOP!” after recent deadly attacks on Kyiv.
Meanwhile, Zelenskyy emphasized the urgent need for an unconditional ceasefire and highlighted ongoing diplomatic efforts to secure it.
Trump also reiterated in a recent interview that he believes Crimea will remain with Russia, a position that contrasts with Ukraine’s determination to reclaim the peninsula.
