President Donald Trump has openly admitted to the uncertainty surrounding Russian President Vladimir Putin’s commitment to peace, even as his administration champions a new diplomatic effort. This “Putin puzzle” hangs over the U.S. plan to broker a meeting between the Russian leader and Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
“We’re going to find out about President Putin in the next couple of weeks,” Trump stated, acknowledging that it’s “possible that he doesn’t want to make a deal.” This frank admission of doubt coexists with his more optimistic comments that he believes Putin is “tired” of the conflict.
Despite this uncertainty, the White House is moving forward with arrangements for a summit. It has publicly claimed that Putin agreed to meet Zelenskyy within a fortnight following a call with Trump. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt affirmed the U.S. government is working to make the meeting happen.
Russia, however, has maintained a more reserved posture, with its foreign minister calling for “utmost thoroughness” in preparing for any such talks. As these diplomatic moves continue, President Zelenskyy is preparing to negotiate directly on territory, while discussions on security guarantees for Ukraine advance with international partners.
The Putin Puzzle: Trump Admits Uncertainty Over Russia’s Peace Commitment
