Kathrine Frich
Critics worry Trump sees peace with Russia less as a geopolitical necessity and more as a financial opportunity.
Critics worry Trump sees peace with Russia less as a geopolitical necessity and more as a financial opportunity.
Trump Promised a Swift Peace Deal
Donald Trump campaigned on ending the Ukraine war “within a day.” Yet, months into his second term, peace remains elusive.
Despite public pledges and behind-the-scenes negotiations, Trump’s big win on the world stage hasn’t materialized, raising questions about whether he misjudged the challenge or simply overpromised.
All Talk, No Punishment
While Trump has hinted at “crushing sanctions” to force Putin’s hand, he’s yet to pull the trigger.
Secondary sanctions on banks, shipping restrictions, and export controls remain in the toolbox, untouched.
Insiders say Trump fears acting too aggressively might derail a fragile peace deal, or worse, make him look like he failed at the art of the deal.
Trump Can’t Afford to Look Like He’s Losing
According to behavioral expert Patrick Wanis, Trump’s aversion to admitting defeat may be stopping him from taking necessary action.
He’s banking on his self-styled persona as a winner, and that means no moves that could be seen as concessions or policy backpedals.
Even if inaction hurts U.S. leverage, optics come first.
Conflicting Voices Inside the White House Stir Confusion
Observers say Trump’s team is far from united. Key officials like Secretary of State Marco Rubio and special envoy Keith Kellogg favor a tougher stance on Russia.
But the internal split is creating mixed signals, making it harder for the administration to speak with one voice or develop a consistent strategy.
Business Interests May Be Muddying the Waters
Trump’s ties to real estate mogul Steven Witkoff, now reportedly involved in Russia talks, are raising eyebrows.
Witkoff is said to be negotiating directly with Russia’s investment fund chief, not its diplomats.
Critics worry Trump sees peace with Russia less as a geopolitical necessity and more as a financial opportunity.
Trump’s Own Words Raise Eyebrows
Even Trump himself admits that real progress will require a personal meeting with Putin.
Until then, the ceasefire dreams remain just that, dreams.
Analysts say the delay could also reflect Trump’s desire to control the narrative and claim personal credit for any breakthrough.
A ‘Good Relationship’ That’s Not Paying Off
Trump often boasts about his “very good relationship” with Putin, but so far, it hasn’t delivered results.
Peace talks in Turkey yielded little more than prisoner swaps, and the Kremlin appears in no hurry to compromise.
As pressure builds at home, that so-called friendship is starting to look like a liability.
Trump Is Stumbling, Not Strategizing
Experts at iNews and Chatham House aren’t buying the “master negotiator” act.
They point to strategic hesitation, business entanglements, and internal discord as signs Trump is outmaneuvered.
As one former NATO ambassador put it, the White House is “playing badly — and alone.”
Critics Say Trump’s Eye Is on the Deal, Not the Diplomacy
Analysts say Trump still views foreign policy through a dealmaker’s lens.
A peace deal could open up new business avenues with Russia. a potential conflict of interest that complicates his credibility as a statesman.
For Putin, that might be exactly what he’s counting on.