Trump Claims Putin Ties Could End Ukraine War – But Says Kremlin ‘Let Him Down’

U.S. President Donald Trump has once again placed his relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the center of global debate, suggesting that his personal ties could have ended the ongoing war in Ukraine. Speaking during a joint press conference with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on September 18, 2025, Trump declared that the conflict was “one of the easiest to solve” because of his history with the Kremlin leader.

However, Trump admitted that reality has not matched his expectations. “He has let me down,” the president said, expressing frustration that Putin has not taken meaningful steps toward peace despite what Trump described as productive conversations in recent months.

Trump’s Strategy: Personal Diplomacy and Oil Leverage

Trump emphasized that reducing global oil prices could be a key factor in pushing Russia to the negotiating table. “If the price of oil comes down, then Russia will settle,” he said. This reflects Trump’s long-standing belief that energy markets are central to Moscow’s financial stability and its ability to sustain a prolonged war effort.

In August, Trump and Putin reportedly met in Alaska, where Trump urged the Russian leader to engage directly with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Although Trump touted the discussions as “productive,” no breakthrough has been achieved. The war continues to escalate, with heavy casualties and no clear roadmap to peace.

Expectations vs. Harsh Reality

Since returning to the political stage, Trump has positioned himself as a dealmaker capable of resolving international crises through unconventional methods. His belief that personal rapport with Putin could translate into geopolitical leverage has drawn both attention and criticism. While Trump insists he could broker a truce “within 24 hours” if given the authority, progress on the ground has been elusive.

Critics argue that Trump underestimated the complexity of the war, which involves not only Russian and Ukrainian interests but also NATO, the European Union, and shifting global energy dynamics. Analysts also note that Putin has little incentive to make concessions unless battlefield or economic pressures dramatically shift.

International Reactions

Trump’s remarks have sparked mixed reactions abroad. Supporters applaud his willingness to pursue direct dialogue with Moscow, contrasting it with what they see as ineffective strategies by previous administrations. Skeptics, however, warn that Trump’s approach risks legitimizing Putin without securing concrete results for Ukraine.

In Kyiv, officials remain cautious. Ukrainian leaders have welcomed U.S. support but remain wary of any deal that might compromise their sovereignty or territorial integrity. For them, Trump’s disappointment in Putin is hardly surprising—many Ukrainian analysts predicted that Moscow would resist peace initiatives that failed to align with its strategic goals.

The Road Ahead

As the Ukraine war enters yet another bloody chapter, Trump’s claims highlight both the allure and the limitations of personal diplomacy. While the president insists that his ties with Putin could bring the war to an end, the Kremlin’s actions suggest otherwise. The gap between Trump’s expectations and the ongoing reality underscores the complexity of one of the most dangerous conflicts of the 21st century.