**Trump Takes a Harder Line on Putin Amid Diplomatic Pressure**
US President Donald Trump has reportedly shifted his tone towards Russian President Vladimir Putin, with one source telling Politico that he believes Putin is “disrespecting” him by consistently breaking the ceasefire agreement. This change in attitude comes after months of diplomatic efforts from British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron to persuade Trump to ease pressure on Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky.
The source claimed that London and Paris continually emphasized to Trump that Putin was “disrespecting him by consistently breaking the ceasefire he claimed to be implementing.” This effort seemed to have had an impact, as Trump’s rhetoric towards Putin has toughened. In a statement, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said that “this war must end — and Canada will continue our efforts among allies to bring about freedom, peace, and security for Ukraine.”
The shift in tone comes as the war between Russia and Ukraine continues to escalate. Two people were killed and five injured in a Russian drone attack on Odesa overnight on May 1. The city is now facing fires throughout its streets.
**A Change in Attitude**
Trump’s previous approach to Putin was criticized for being too soft, with many accusing him of not doing enough to condemn Russia’s actions. However, it appears that the diplomatic pressure from European leaders has finally paid off. Trump’s new tone is a significant shift from his previous statements, where he simply called Russian strikes “not necessary” and “very bad timing.”
The US President has positioned himself as a broker of a swift peace deal between Ukraine and Russia, but so far, he has avoided condemning Russian strikes or introducing new punitive measures. This change in attitude could have significant implications for the war-torn country.
**Diplomatic Efforts**
British National Security Advisor Jonathan Powell and Defense Secretary John Healey reportedly played key roles in this diplomatic effort, working closely with US Ambassador to the UK Mark Burnett. The coordinated effort sought to persuade Trump to ease pressure on Zelensky and focus more criticism on Putin, arguing that Moscow’s actions were undermining Trump’s credibility as a negotiator.
US officials have intensified efforts to secure a ceasefire, warning they may withdraw from mediation if no progress is made soon. Ukraine accepted a 30-day ceasefire proposed by Washington in March, but Moscow continues to reject the plan, pressing forward with offensive operations.
**A Turning Point?**
European officials are now watching closely to see whether Trump’s harder line on Putin will hold or fade as his impatience to finalize a deal resurfaces. The future of the conflict remains uncertain, and many are waiting with bated breath to see what happens next.
As Tim Zadorozhnyy, a news editor at The Kyiv Independent, notes: “The international community is closely watching Trump’s actions on Ukraine. Will he continue to push for a ceasefire, or will his impatience get the better of him? Only time will tell.”
Read More @ kyivindependent.com
