During a two-hour phone call with Vladimir Putin, U.S. President Donald Trump refrained from issuing any ultimatums, instead proposing further "peace talks," The Economist reports. This approach, the publication argues, plays into Moscow's hands, with Putin reportedly appearing “satisfied” after the conversation.
“As Putin’s troops advance, he insists that a peace settlement must be agreed upon before a ceasefire can take effect,” the magazine notes. In contrast, Ukraine — supported by European leaders — demands an immediate and unconditional 30-day ceasefire followed by negotiations on a final settlement.
According to The Economist, Trump had begun to suspect he was being “led by the nose” by the Russian leader in the days leading up to the call. Yet the article suggests that Trump is now the one misleading those urging him to take a tougher stance. “Long fascinated by the Russian dictator, Trump is vacillating between three options familiar to anyone suffering from unrequited love: redouble the courtship, surrender, or turn hostile,” the article quips.
Following the collapse of direct Russia-Ukraine talks in Istanbul last week, Trump declared that only his personal involvement could resolve the deadlock. However, his phone call with Putin has yielded little progress, and The Economist warns that Trump may now consider an in-person meeting. That move, the article cautions, risks making Trump appear “weak and foolish.”
Endless negotiations, even if they continue, could simply buy time for Russia to gain more ground militarily, the piece argues. Trump’s failure to repeat past controversial remarks blaming Ukraine for the war is, The Economist notes, “too small a consolation.”
There are signs of growing concern within the Trump administration that prolonged, ineffective diplomacy could turn what some have dubbed “Joe Biden’s war” into “Donald Trump’s failure.” Calls to abandon mediation altogether are reportedly gaining traction. “We are more than ready to walk away,” said Vice President J.D. Vance after leaving talks in Rome with Pope Leo XIV, adding that “America wants to see results.”
While Trump claimed that Russia and Ukraine “know the details of the negotiations that no one else knows,” a potential U.S. withdrawal from the talks would strip Ukraine of its last remnants of American diplomatic support, The Economist warns. President Zelenskyy has emphasized the “extreme importance” of continued U.S. and European involvement in the peace process.
Many of Ukraine’s allies now believe it is time for Trump to embrace a third option: increase political, economic, and military pressure on Putin until he agrees to a ceasefire.
Meanwhile, hawkish members of the U.S. Congress, including Republicans close to Trump, are preparing legislation that would impose a 500% “secondary” tariff on countries purchasing Russian oil. The EU’s upcoming 17th sanctions package doesn’t go that far but is expected to include measures targeting more Russian officials and the shadow fleet transporting Russian oil.
“Disappointed with Putin but unwilling to abandon him, Trump is choosing not to make decisions. That may be enough for Russia,” The Economist concludes. Putin, the article notes, is confident that Russia can endure further economic pressure and that few in the U.S. are prepared to take the most decisive step — restoring tens of billions of dollars in military support to Ukraine amid broader federal spending cuts.
While Trump has correctly labeled the war a “bloodbath,” The Economist argues that he seems unaware that courting Putin alone will not bring it to an end.
Background: Trump’s May 19 Call with Putin
Trump’s phone call with Vladimir Putin on May 19 lasted roughly two hours and followed a brief conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, during which Trump reportedly asked what he should raise with the Russian leader.
According to Zelenskyy, the two discussed key priorities for Ukraine, including a ceasefire and increased U.S. sanctions. Zelenskyy also urged Trump not to make decisions about Ukraine without Ukraine’s participation.
After the call with Putin, Trump announced that Russia and Ukraine would begin ceasefire negotiations “immediately,” with terms to be worked out directly between the two sides. He characterized the discussion with Putin as having an “excellent tone and spirit,” adding that Russia was interested in future trade with the U.S. once the war ends.
Trump later briefed Zelenskyy and European leaders from the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Finland, and the European Commission. However, according to The Financial Times, participants were reportedly “stunned” by Trump’s interpretation of what had been agreed, with several expressing concern that he showed no willingness to increase pressure on Putin.
In a follow-up statement, Putin rejected an unconditional ceasefire and proposed drafting a “memorandum” on a truce with Ukraine — while again insisting on addressing the so-called “root causes” of Russia’s invasion.