While Donald Trump publicly portrays Vladimir Putin as a leader seeking peace, his private comments paint a different picture. In a recent call with European leaders, the former U.S. president admitted that Putin believes he’s winning the war in Ukraine and has no plans to stop the fighting.

📞 According to The Wall Street Journal, the call included Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Emmanuel Macron, Friedrich Merz, Giorgia Meloni, and Ursula von der Leyen. It marked a sharp contrast from Trump’s usual rhetoric – and the first time he privately acknowledged Putin’s unwillingness to end the war.

🔹 Sanctions? Maybe. But Trump Prefers Vatican Peace Talks

Just a day earlier, Trump discussed with European leaders the possibility of sanctions if Putin refused a ceasefire. But instead, he pushed for low-level peace talks between Ukraine and Russia in the Vatican.

Despite repeated calls from Zelenskyy and EU leaders for Trump to use his influence to pressure Moscow, the former president shrugged off responsibility, telling reporters:

“This is not my war. We shouldn’t have gotten involved.”

🔹 Trump Rejects “Unconditional” Ceasefire – Even After Using the Word Himself

EU leaders wanted to propose a 30-day unconditional ceasefire, but Trump rejected the term. He claimed he never used the word “unconditional” – even though a post on his Truth Social account from May 8 clearly contained it.

Eventually, European leaders dropped the term to keep Trump engaged in the talks.

🔹 Europe Pushes Harder Under New German Chancellor

Europe’s tone shifted after Friedrich Merz became Germany’s new chancellor. Unlike his predecessor Olaf Scholz, Merz took a tougher stance against Russia, even changing the German constitution to allow for higher military spending.

On May 10, Merz, Macron, Starmer, and Tusk made a surprise visit to Kyiv to meet with Zelenskyy. During the trip, they called Trump from Macron’s phone to tell him Ukraine agreed to a 30-day ceasefire. They also warned Putin that Europe was ready to impose new sanctions if he refused.

Putin responded by offering direct talks with Ukraine – the first such offer in three years. Trump welcomed the move and even expressed willingness to participate in negotiations in Turkey.

🔹 Istanbul Talks Disappoint – Putin Sends Mid-Level Negotiators

The Istanbul meeting, however, didn’t deliver. Putin didn’t show up himself, instead sending mid-level negotiators who repeated Russia’s long-standing demands, which Ukraine has already rejected.

After the failed talks, European leaders once again called on Trump to act decisively. While a few minor sanctions were approved, more serious measures are still in progress.

Trump, for his part, said he plans another direct call with Putin, believing a peace deal can only be reached through leader-to-leader dialogue.

🔹 Trump Hints at Sanctions – Graham Moves Ahead

During the earlier Sunday call (before speaking with Putin), Trump hinted that the U.S. might join Europe in targeting Russian oil and banks.

Senator Lindsey Graham, one of Trump’s allies, later confirmed he had secured 81 co-sponsors for a bill that would impose sweeping energy and financial sanctions on Russia.

🔹 The Usual Trump: Charm, Insults, and Mixed Messages

The Sunday call included classic Trump moments: he praised Merz’s English, saying he loved it even more with his “German accent.” But he also attacked Europe’s migration policies, claiming the continent was “on the verge of collapse.”

Macron, who knows Trump well, called him out:

“You can’t insult our nations, Donald.”

🕊️ What’s Next?

While some European officials briefly hoped Trump might support tougher measures, those hopes quickly faded. The Vatican talks are now scheduled for mid-June – but whether they will lead to real progress or just more delays remains uncertain.



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