**US Fails to Pressure Putin into Ending Invasion Despite Months of Resistance**
Despite months of resisting President Trump’s peace process, the US has yet to take a single concrete step to pressure Russian President Vladimir Putin into ending his full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The U.S. has been criticizing Russia’s actions in Ukraine, with President Trump calling Putin “absolutely crazy” and saying he could be triggering “the downfall of Russia.” However, this strong rhetoric is not backed up by meaningful action.
**Rhetoric vs Reality**
Former US officials who spoke to the Kyiv Independent expressed disappointment that the U.S. response has so far remained constrained to strong words on social media with no real concrete action. They pointed out that despite repeated refusals from Putin to agree to a ceasefire and escalating Russian attacks on Ukrainian civilians, President Trump’s rhetoric remains disconnected from meaningful action.
**No Progress in Ceasefire Talks**
Ceasefire talks between Ukraine and Russia have been stalled for months, with the Kremlin refusing to agree to a full ceasefire. Instead, Putin offered to negotiate a “memorandum regarding a potential future peace treaty” without any clear timeline. The US President briefed European leaders on the conversation, who were reportedly “surprised” by Trump’s relatively positive view of what he heard from Putin.
**No Concessions from Russia**
Russia continues to insist on Ukraine accepting the loss of occupied Crimea, recognition of its occupation of four Ukrainian oblasts in their entirety, permanent neutrality for Kyiv, demilitarization, and regime change in Ukraine. Despite this maximalist approach, President Trump called the “tone and spirit of the conversation” with Putin “excellent,” claiming “progress” was made.
**Where is the Leverage?**
Former officials noted that the Kremlin’s demands remain unacceptable to Ukraine. They pointed out that despite Trump’s leverage, such as tightening sanctions, moving to seize Russian frozen Central Bank assets, or giving or selling Ukraine more weapons, no concrete action has been taken.
**Europe Taking the Lead**
As the US policy on Russia seems to be drifting, some suggest Europe may have to take the lead. Former officials expressed disappointment that the US is not using its leverage to press for a ceasefire and instead, is letting Putin set the terms for talks or the schedule while he continues attacking Ukraine.
**Opportunity Squandered**
Former Assistant Secretary of State David Kramer noted that this is a time when the Russian economy is weak and advances in Ukraine are slow and costly. He expressed dismay at what he sees as a squandered opportunity to press the advantage and instead, let it leak away.
**Will Trump Finally Act?**
There remains a sliver of hope contingent largely on a shift in President Trump’s approach. Former diplomats and officials still claim that if Trump uses the tools at his disposal to press the side that refuses to compromise, it could open the door to real peace. However, with no concrete action taken so far, this remains uncertain.
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