Jens Asbjørn Bøgen
The US President compared the war to two kids fighting in a park.
The US President compared the war to two kids fighting in a park.
What is happening?
During a meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on June 5, US President Donald Trump suggested that the United States should hold off on deeper intervention in Russia’s war against Ukraine — at least for now.
A Softer Stance Than Promised
Despite Trump’s previous claims of being the only leader capable of brokering peace, he appeared to walk back that narrative.
With peace talks faltering, Russian drone attacks intensifying, and both sides unwilling to budge, Trump’s tone suggested uncertainty rather than action.
Kyiv’s Push for a Ceasefire Rebuffed Again
Ukraine has been pushing for a 30-day ceasefire backed by the West, presenting it as a gateway to a larger peace deal.
But Russia refused once more during a June 2 negotiation round in Istanbul, continuing a hardline stance that has defined the talks so far.
Compares war to playground
Trump likened the ongoing war to children fighting in a park:
“Sometimes you’re better off letting them fight for a while,” he said.
He used this metaphor to suggest that forced peace efforts might be premature and counterproductive, at least in the current climate.
Echoed in a Call With Putin
The U.S. president said he used the same analogy during a 75-minute phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin the previous day.
According to Kiyv Independent, Trump cast himself not as a negotiator, but as a “referee” watching the fight unfold from the sidelines.
Warning Signs of Escalation
Trump revealed that Putin warned him of imminent retaliation following a Ukrainian drone strike on Russian territory.
Trump said he urged restraint but expressed doubt it would be heeded:
“It’s probably not going to be pretty,” he warned.
Sanctions on the Table — But No Deadline
Though Trump has previously threatened sanctions against Russia to force peace, he was vague on timing.
“Yes, it’s in my brain the deadline,” he said cryptically, leaving questions about whether any concrete U.S. response is forthcoming.