Donald Trump has expressed disappointment over his recent conversation with Vladimir Putin, admitting there was “no progress” in efforts to reach a ceasefire in Ukraine. Speaking to reporters, the president said he was not hopeful about Russia’s willingness to end the war, which has now dragged on for over three years.
“I didn’t make any progress,” Trump said following Thursday’s phone call with the Russian president. He reiterated his dissatisfaction, adding, “I’m not happy the war continues.” Trump had previously claimed he could end the conflict within 24 hours if elected, a promise that remains far from realisation.
The lack of progress with Putin on Ukraine has raised further questions about Trump’s ability to influence Moscow, despite his often-controversial rapport with Putin.
Trump also confirmed that Iran was discussed during the call, though he offered no further details. In follow-up comments early Friday (local time), he said he believes Putin is simply “not willing” to stop the war- a statement likely to draw scrutiny from both domestic and international observers.
Trump added that he would speak with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky later in the day, but gave no indication of what the conversation might include.
Trump’s remarks signal both his frustration and the limits of diplomacy in the face of entrenched geopolitical conflict.
