US President Donald Trump has grown increasingly doubtful about the chances of brokering a peace deal to end the Russia-Ukraine war, according to reports by NBC. Despite continued diplomatic efforts, the long-awaited meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy remains elusive.
Stalled peace efforts
Trump joined a conference call on Thursday with Zelenskyy and European leaders, urging Europe to stop purchasing Russian oil and calling for economic pressure on China for supporting Moscow’s war effort. However, Trump privately acknowledged that the conflict has proved far more stubborn than he anticipated during his 2024 campaign, when he had claimed he could end the war “within 24 hours.”
Last month, Trump traveled to Alaska for a summit with Putin hoping to secure a ceasefire, but left without progress. A follow-up White House meeting with Zelenskyy and European leaders raised hopes of a breakthrough, but plans for a Putin-Zelenskyy meeting have since collapsed.
Putin and Zelenskyy at odds
Putin, during a visit to China this week, insisted he would meet Zelenskyy only in Moscow and warned he would press on militarily if Kyiv refused his terms. Zelenskyy, however, is willing to meet in neutral venues such as the Persian Gulf, Switzerland, Austria, or Turkey — but not on Russian soil. Ukrainian adviser Sergii Leshchenko accused Moscow of putting up “nonstop obstacles to peace.”
Mounting casualties
As talks stall, fighting intensifies. A recent Russian strike on Kyiv killed at least 15 people, including four children. Since the invasion began in February 2022, casualties on both sides are estimated at around 1.5 million.
Trump’s balancing act
NBC reported that officials say Trump is reluctant to impose harsher sanctions on Russia, fearing it could jeopardize his relationship with Putin and undercut his role as a potential mediator. While some allies argue that greater pressure is needed, Trump has stressed the importance of keeping civil ties with the Russian leader, who controls a vast nuclear arsenal.
The challenge for Washington, observers note, is balancing pressure on Moscow with maintaining diplomatic leverage. Missteps could also strain ties with key partners like India, which has deepened engagement with Russia and China amid US trade penalties.
