The White House has maintained a favorable stance towards the Kremlin for two months; however, Russian President Vladimir V. Putin has shown little reciprocation, continuing military offensives against Ukraine.
Despite expressing a willingness to collaborate, Putin's forces are actively bombarding Ukraine, complicating peace negotiations that remain stalled due to numerous conditions attached to proposed cease-fires. Recently, during an appearance in the Arctic, Putin suggested the installation of a temporary Ukrainian government under United Nations auspices as a precursor to a lasting resolution.
President Trump reacted strongly to Putin's remarks, expressing anger and threatening to impose tariffs on countries purchasing Russian oil, a critical revenue source for Moscow's military efforts. Trump indicated that if he held Russia accountable for the ongoing violence, he would act against its oil exports.
This situation raises questions regarding Washington's approach towards Putin, especially given the Trump administration's previous friendliness towards Russia. Experts believe that Trump’s desire for a deal may hinder immediate pressure on Putin, although a turning point may be approaching as it becomes evident that Putin is not inclined to negotiate.
On the battlefield, the intensity of Russian attacks has escalated, with drones targeting Ukrainian cities. Ukrainian commanders warn of a potential large-scale offensive as Putin boasts about his military's intentions to decisively defeat Ukrainian forces.
Despite expressing discontent with Trump's demands regarding mineral rights, Ukraine has accepted various cease-fire proposals intended to reduce violence, though goodwill in Washington appears limited.
Trump also threatened Ukrainian President Zelensky over the weekend, accusing him of attempting to withdraw from a deal regarding U.S. mineral rights as part of aid negotiations.
Putin's long-standing skepticism towards Ukraine's sovereignty was echoed in his recent comments advocating for an international administration in Ukraine. Meanwhile, drone strikes continue to inflict civilian casualties, underscoring a lack of commitment to diplomatic solutions.
Despite the ongoing violence, the Trump administration has refrained from taking significant actions to pressure Russia, with Trump previously downplaying Russia's role in the conflict and briefly halting military assistance to Ukraine.
After a meeting with Finnish President Alexander Stubb, Trump discussed setting a deadline for Russia to agree to an unconditional cease-fire. However, existing agreements between Russia and Ukraine regarding energy infrastructure appear to be deteriorating, with mutual accusations of violations.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitri S. Peskov indicated that while no call between Putin and Trump is scheduled for the week, one could be arranged. He dismissed Trump's oil tariff threats and asserted ongoing cooperation between Russia and the United States.
Historically, Trump’s first administration implemented measures challenging Moscow, though his current team lacks many of those advocates. As the prospect of peace fades further, questions loom over Trump’s next steps if negotiations reach an impasse.
Experts caution against the assumption that Putin will meet Trump's expectations, suggesting that the Russian leader's interests diverge significantly from those of the Trump administration.