Trump-Putin Call on Ukraine War Delivers Another Blow to Kyiv and Allies

A Shift in U.S. Policy Leaves Ukraine Reeling

After months of efforts to sway U.S. President Donald Trump to support Ukraine in its war with Russia, Kyiv and its allies find themselves back at square one. A two-hour call between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday marked a dramatic pivot in U.S. positioning.

Trump dropped his earlier push for an unconditional 30-day ceasefire—a move Ukraine had supported but Russia rejected. More strikingly, he implied that the war, which he once claimed he could end in 24 hours, was no longer his to resolve.

A Strained Alliance

This shift follows a highly publicized falling out between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy less than three months ago. European leaders have since tried to patch up the diplomatic rift and maintain unity in the face of Russian aggression.

Leading up to the call, Trump had threatened tougher sanctions on Russia, a tactic Kyiv believed could force Putin to ease his demands. However, that pressure strategy was seemingly abandoned during the conversation with Putin, replaced by an offer of U.S. economic partnership once the war ends.

European Frustration and Distrust

One European diplomat described the situation bluntly: “It is impossible to trust him for more than one day. He does not seem to be interested in Ukraine at all.” According to reports, Trump’s change in stance left European leaders and Zelenskiy in shock after a follow-up call.

Despite Trump’s claim that peace talks were imminent and that “some progress is being made,” skepticism remains high.

Putin’s Tactical Patience

European officials warn that Putin is in no rush to negotiate. German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius noted that “Putin is clearly playing for time,” while analysts argue the Russian leader uses diplomatic delays to consolidate gains on the battlefield.

“Putin gets the upper hand on the battlefield through procrastination in diplomacy,” said Orysia Lutsevych of Chatham House.

Following the Trump call, Putin announced Moscow’s willingness to engage with Ukraine on a memorandum toward a future peace accord.

U.S. Aid and the Uncertain Road Ahead

U.S. support, especially military aid and intelligence, has been crucial for Ukraine’s resistance. But with Trump backing away from Biden-era policies, Ukraine is unsure how long that support will last.

Europe has pledged to continue military and economic assistance, but some critical U.S.-made weapons—such as air defenses and guided missiles—cannot be sourced elsewhere. The future of U.S. sanctions against Russia is equally uncertain.

Rising Disappointment After Hopeful Signs

Just weeks ago, there were indications that Trump might be hardening his stance on Moscow. He expressed skepticism about Putin’s sincerity and floated harsher measures. A minerals deal between the U.S. and Ukraine, along with direct talks between Kyiv and Moscow in Istanbul, further raised hopes.

However, those gains now seem to have been reversed.

Moving Forward Despite Setbacks

Despite the setback, European leaders continue to support Ukraine. “It’s one step forward, two or 10 steps back,” said another European diplomat. “We will continue to pass messages to the Trump administration and push, push for it to pressure Russia.”

Kyiv and its allies remain determined to keep Trump engaged and Russia accountable, but the path forward is more uncertain than ever.