In a significant turn of rhetoric, U.S. President Donald Trump has labeled Russian President Vladimir Putin as the “more difficult” figure in efforts to end the ongoing war in Ukraine. The comment, made during the NATO summit in The Hague, marks a strategic pivot in Trump’s foreign policy tone—and signals new pressure on Moscow to come to the negotiating table.
For months, Trump had been sharply critical of Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and NATO’s support efforts. But this week, his messaging changed dramatically. Speaking at a press conference, Trump told reporters:
“People think Ukraine is the problem. But Vladimir Putin has been more difficult than anyone could imagine.”
He further confirmed that he plans to speak directly with Putin again “soon,” hinting at a renewed effort to broker a ceasefire or peace deal. However, Trump did not offer a specific timeline for this contact.
A New Diplomatic Calculus
Trump’s shift comes amid increasing global pressure for a peaceful resolution to the war, which has entered its third year with no end in sight. He also reversed years of skepticism toward NATO, praising the alliance’s growing military commitments and even endorsing a bold new defense spending target: 5% of GDP by 2035.
His comments mark a rare public rebuke of Putin—whom Trump has previously praised or defended on the international stage. Analysts believe this could be a deliberate strategy to pressure the Kremlin into accepting tougher terms in any potential peace negotiation.
Empathy Meets Realpolitik
During the summit, Trump had an emotional exchange with a Ukrainian journalist whose husband is fighting on the frontlines. His response—“I wish you and your family a lot of luck”—stood in stark contrast to his usual tough-guy demeanor, and may signal a deeper awareness of the war’s human cost.
Still, Trump made it clear that while Ukraine would continue receiving U.S. military support, any future peace deal may be shaped primarily through U.S.-Russia dialogue. Some worry this could sideline Ukraine’s role in determining its own fate.
Direct Engagement with Putin
Trump has a history of preferring one-on-one diplomacy with world leaders. Earlier this year, he held a reported 90-minute call with Putin, during which both sides allegedly agreed to pursue immediate talks. But since then, the conflict has escalated again, casting doubt on Putin’s willingness to compromise.
Now, Trump’s plan appears twofold: increase economic pressure on Russia through sanctions and tariffs, while maintaining military aid to Kyiv as leverage in negotiations.
What’s Next
The world will be watching for:
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A confirmed Trump–Putin call or summit,
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Ukraine’s involvement in peace talks,
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Shifts in NATO’s position based on U.S. leadership.
Whether this new approach brings peace—or simply repositions the players—is still uncertain. But Trump’s fresh tone signals a critical moment in the diplomatic chessboard of the Ukraine conflict.
