Former U.S. President Donald Trump has raised doubts about Russian President Vladimir Putin’s desire to end the ongoing war in Ukraine. In a post on Truth Social, Trump criticized Putin for a recent missile attack on Kyiv, which killed 12 people and injured at least 90. Trump, who met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Rome over the weekend, expressed frustration over the ongoing violence and called for a swift resolution to the conflict.
Trump Criticizes Russia’s Recent Actions
On Thursday, Russian missiles struck Kyiv, causing widespread damage and loss of life. Trump condemned the attack, questioning Putin’s commitment to ending the war. He pointed to the increasing death toll in Ukraine, expressing concern that Putin may not want to stop the war but is instead prolonging it.
Trump’s comments come after over three years of war, with little progress on peace talks. He has repeatedly stated that, if elected, he would end the conflict within 24 hours. However, peace remains elusive, and Trump’s recent statements show his growing impatience with Putin’s actions.
Trump Pleads for Peace, Criticizes Biden and Obama
In his Truth Social post, Trump described the war in Ukraine as the worst since World War II, emphasizing the dire situation and calling for an immediate halt to the violence. He urged Putin to stop the fighting, citing the high death toll among soldiers.
Trump also used the opportunity to criticize both President Joe Biden and former President Barack Obama. He blamed Biden for allowing the war to escalate under his administration and accused Obama of enabling Russia’s annexation of Crimea. Trump expressed that the war would not have occurred if he were still in office, and he criticized the current administration for not resolving the conflict sooner.
Meeting with Zelenskyy at the Vatican
Earlier in the week, Trump met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Rome during Pope Francis’ funeral. This was their first face-to-face meeting since a tense interaction in the Oval Office in February. While neither the Ukrainian nor White House officials provided many details about the conversation, White House Communications Director Steven Cheung described it as a very productive discussion.
Trump has long expressed his intention to broker a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine, and during his meeting with Zelenskyy, he reaffirmed his commitment to bringing an end to the war. Despite the ongoing conflict, Trump remains optimistic about the potential for negotiations.
Russia’s Recent Missile Attack on Kyiv
The missile attack on Kyiv on Thursday was a stark reminder of the ongoing violence in Ukraine. Rescue workers were seen digging through the rubble in search of survivors, as the city grapples with the aftermath of the deadly assault. This attack came just a day before Special Envoy Steve Witkoff’s fourth visit to Moscow, signaling continued efforts to address the crisis.
Trump’s comments about the missile strike on Kyiv were pointed. He described it as unnecessary and poorly timed, especially considering the ongoing peace talks. He called for an immediate end to the hostilities, stressing that the violence must stop.
Trump’s Hope for a Swift Resolution
Earlier in the week, Trump had expressed hope that a peace agreement could be reached between Russia and Ukraine. He suggested that once an agreement was in place, both nations would be able to engage in significant business deals with the United States. His comments reflect his broader strategy of resolving the conflict quickly and using economic incentives to drive peace.
Despite the challenges, Trump remains determined to end the war. His calls for action highlight the urgency with which he believes the situation must be addressed.
Blame on Previous Administrations
In his post, Trump didn’t shy away from blaming previous administrations for the war’s escalation. He pointed fingers at both Biden and Obama, arguing that their actions led to the current situation. Trump has consistently stated that the war would not have occurred if he were still in office, reflecting his broader critique of his predecessors’ foreign policies.
Trump’s remarks about the war being “Sleepy Joe Biden’s War” have sparked controversy, as critics argue that such comments downplay the complexity of the conflict. Nevertheless, Trump remains vocal in his criticism of both the current and former administrations, positioning himself as the candidate best suited to end the war.
A Call for Action
As the war in Ukraine continues with no clear end in sight, Trump’s comments reflect his frustration with the lack of progress. He has long promised to end the conflict swiftly, but peace remains elusive. With mounting casualties and no clear resolution on the horizon, Trump’s calls for immediate action resonate with many who are looking for a solution to the ongoing crisis.
In the coming weeks, it remains to be seen whether peace talks will gain traction or whether the violence will continue to escalate. Trump’s strong words and calls for change highlight the need for decisive leadership as the situation in Ukraine remains dire.