Trump Admits His Efforts with Putin and Ukraine Conflict Were Futile
Former U.S.
President Donald Trump has made a candid admission that could reshape perceptions of his diplomatic dealings with Russia and his role in the ongoing Ukraine conflict.
He publicly stated that his supposedly good relations with Russian President Vladimir Putin did not produce the desired results in stopping the war, which has continued to devastate peace and stability in the region.
During a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron, Trump openly declared that his greatest disappointment was the lack of progress in resolving Russia’s war against Ukraine.
According to him, he initially thought that his personal relationship with Putin would facilitate a quicker peace process, but those efforts proved to be unsuccessful.
“I believed that stopping this war would be easier given our connections, but, unfortunately, those relationships now mean nothing,” Trump remarked to journalists.
He emphasized his view that Ukraine should reclaim all occupied territories, reiterating his previous statements on social media platforms like Truth Social, where he called Russia a “paper tiger.” “That’s how I truly feel — let them return their land,” he said.
Reports suggest that Trump plans to adopt a much more aggressive stance towards Russia in the future, which could escalate tensions on the international stage.
Additionally, the former president praised Macron, noting that he helped resolve several conflicts, including seven military crises around the globe.
Trump highlighted Macron’s persistent efforts to support Ukraine, describing him as “a steadfast defender of Ukrainian sovereignty.” Meanwhile, Macron conveyed that achieving peace remains a shared goal for both nations.
As some analysts, including Axios, have previously indicated, Trump is increasingly skeptical about his ability to influence Putin, recognizing that his initial assumptions about Moscow’s willingness for peaceful settlement were mistaken.
This acknowledgment underscores the crisis in U.S.-Russia relations and highlights a shift in Trump’s diplomatic priorities.