Camilla Jessen
U.S. President Donald Trump has reportedly shifted his stance on Russian President Vladimir Putin.
U.S. President Donald Trump has reportedly toughened his stance on Russian President Vladimir Putin after months of behind-the-scenes pressure from Britain and France, according to a Politico report published May 1.
The diplomatic effort, led by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron, aimed to shift Trump’s focus away from pressuring Ukraine and toward holding Moscow accountable.
European officials told Politico the push was driven by concerns that continued Russian aggression could damage Trump’s image as a potential peace broker.
British National Security Advisor Jonathan Powell and Defense Secretary John Healey played leading roles in coordinating the effort, working closely with U.S. Ambassador to the UK Mark Burnett, the report said.
British Foreign Secretary David Lammy told Politico he had spoken with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio 13 times this year, and sources say Starmer and Trump have had nearly as many direct conversations.
“Putin Is Disrespecting You”
According to a former British diplomat, both London and Paris repeatedly told Trump that Putin was undermining him by ignoring a partial ceasefire Trump had claimed credit for.
That truce was reportedly agreed during a March 18 phone call between Trump and Putin, involving a pause in Russian attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.
However, Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry later said Russia had violated the truce over 30 times.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reportedly raised this with Trump during a brief chat at Pope Francis’ funeral on April 26, as reported by Axios.
Sources say Trump replied that he may need to “rethink” his approach to Putin.
Tougher Words, But No New Action
Although Trump has taken a harsher tone, he has not introduced any new consequences for Moscow.
After a large-scale Russian missile and drone attack on April 24, which killed at least 12 civilians, Trump called the assault “not necessary” and “very bad timing.”
He also made a public plea: “Vladimir, stop!”
Still, no new policy changes or sanctions have followed.
The U.S. continues to push for a ceasefire deal, warning that it may step away from mediation if talks stall. Ukraine had agreed to a 30-day truce in March, but Russia rejected the terms and resumed its offensive.