Trump Questions Putin’s Commitment to Ending Ukraine War After Zelenskyy Meeting

Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelenskyy met in Rome during Pope Francis' funeral, discussing the Ukraine war.

U.S. President Donald Trump has cast doubt on Russian President Vladimir Putin’s sincerity in seeking to end the ongoing Ukraine war, following a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Rome on April 26, 2025. The remarks, made during the funeral of Pope Francis, come amid heightened tensions and renewed Russian strikes on Ukrainian civilian areas, prompting Trump to consider tougher sanctions against Moscow.

Trump’s Skepticism and Proposed Actions

During his visit to Rome, Trump held a “constructive” meeting with Zelenskyy, as described by Kyiv. However, shortly after, Trump took to Truth Social to express his reservations about Putin’s intentions. “Maybe he’s just stringing me along,” Trump wrote, referencing recent Russian missile strikes on civilian areas that killed and injured dozens. He emphasized the human toll, stating, “Too many people are dying!!!” and suggested a shift in approach if Russia persists, potentially targeting its banking system or imposing stricter sanctions.

Trump’s comments reflect growing frustration with Moscow’s actions, which he believes undermine the Kremlin’s stated willingness to negotiate peace. The U.S. president’s remarks signal a potential escalation in economic measures to pressure Russia into meaningful dialogue.

Kremlin’s Stance and Ongoing Challenges

Trump’s doubts contrast with the Kremlin’s public stance. Moscow has claimed readiness to negotiate “without preconditions,” with Putin reportedly expressing a desire to restart talks through U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff. The Kremlin described recent discussions as “constructive and very useful,” aimed at bridging gaps between Moscow and Washington.

However, Russia’s demands remain firm: recognition of its annexation of five Ukrainian regions, Ukraine’s military neutrality, and a restructured European security framework. These conditions have been met with skepticism by the U.S. and its allies, who see little evidence of a genuine shift in Moscow’s position. Trump’s cautious stance highlights the challenges of achieving a swift ceasefire despite international pressure.

Context of the Rome Meeting

The Trump-Zelenskyy meeting occurred on the sidelines of Pope Francis’ funeral, a setting that brought together global leaders. The 15-minute discussion, also attended by French President Emmanuel Macron, focused on pathways to peace, with Zelenskyy reiterating Ukraine’s readiness for an unconditional ceasefire. Macron later affirmed a shared goal with Trump to end the conflict, underscoring the diplomatic weight of the encounter.

Yet, recent Russian attacks on civilian areas, which Trump cited in his Truth Social post, have deepened mistrust. The strikes, occurring just days before the Rome meeting, have been widely condemned and complicate efforts to build momentum for peace talks.

Why This Matters

Trump’s skepticism about Putin’s intentions underscores the fragile state of Russia-Ukraine peace negotiations. With the conflict ongoing since 2022, a resolution remains elusive, impacting global stability, energy markets, and humanitarian conditions. Trump’s mention of tougher sanctions signals a potential shift in U.S. policy, which could further strain U.S.-Russia relations but also pressure Moscow to reconsider its approach. The outcome of these diplomatic efforts will have far-reaching implications for Eastern Europe and beyond.

Key Takeaways

• Trump doubts Putin’s commitment to ending the Ukraine war after meeting Zelenskyy in Rome.
• He suggested targeting Russia’s banking system or imposing stricter sanctions in response to recent attacks.
• The Kremlin claims readiness to negotiate, but its demands remain unchanged, fueling skepticism.
• The Rome meeting occurred during Pope Francis’ funeral, highlighting global attention on the conflict.

Stay informed: Follow updates on the Russia-Ukraine conflict and U.S. foreign policy developments.

Sources: NBC News, The New York Times, Truth Social.