US President Donald Trump has stated that it is not the right time to call for a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine. When asked by a reporter aboard Air Force One, Trump replied, “It doesn’t feel like it,” but added that if he were to take action in the future, his stance would be “harsh.”
This statement comes a month after Trump’s rare face-to-face meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska. Trump has been critical of both Russia and Ukraine at times and has acknowledged that negotiating an end to the conflict is more challenging than he anticipated. During a press conference with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer in the UK, Trump expressed disappointment with Putin, saying he had “really let me down.”
Recently, Trump announced plans to impose additional “major sanctions” on Moscow, but only if all NATO members cease purchasing Russian oil. He emphasized that the conflict is not his responsibility, referring to it as “Biden’s and Zelenskyy’s WAR” on his Truth Social platform.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov noted a shift in Trump’s stance, from demanding an unconditional ceasefire to advocating for a long-term solution. Moscow’s conditions for a resolution include Ukraine recognizing its new borders, abandoning plans to join NATO, and limiting its military. However, Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky has rejected these terms.
The situation remains complex, with ongoing tensions between Russia and Ukraine. Trump’s future actions on the issue are uncertain, but he has indicated a willingness to take a firm stance if necessary. The international community continues to monitor the situation, awaiting potential developments and a resolution to the conflict.