In May this year, US President Donald Trump had this to say after a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the Ukraine conflict.
Two months later, in July, Trump’s tone had completely changed.
From a “gentleman” to disappointment, Trump’s view of Putin shifted dramatically in a matter of weeks.
That the US president is showing signs of frustration with someone he once called a “dear friend” is a clear signal that Putin, a former Soviet spy, has been outplaying him, even if Trump refuses to admit it.
And the root of that frustration is the Ukraine war— a conflict Russia seems to have no plans of wrapping up anytime soon.
The real estate mogul, who has penned books on the art of negotiation, has been unable to close a deal with Putin over the Ukraine war.
Trump entered the White House in January, promising to deliver a truce between Russia and Ukraine within 24 hours of taking office.
He had showered praises on Putin, calling him “a genius” and “savvy”.
Trump even echoed the Kremlin’s narratives by repeatedly blaming Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for the war.
Trump slams Putin
The US President went to the extent of offering Putin sweeping concessions— allowing Russia to occupy five Ukrainian regions, keeping Ukraine out of NATO, and considering exclusion of Zelenskyy from peace talks.
At one point, Trump suggested stopping long-range offensive weapons shipments to Ukraine.
Yet, every time Trump tried to persuade Putin for a ceasefire, reports would surface about Russian bombardment of Ukraine.
Earlier this month, Trump dialled Putin again, in the hopes of getting Russia to agree to peace. Instead of getting a positive response, Trump was reportedly insulted.
According to a report by The Atlantic, the president felt disturbed when the Russian leader reiterated his goal to “liberate” Ukrainian territory -- that he believes belongs to Russia.
The report, citing two unnamed White House Officials, said Putin made Trump look like the junior partner in the relationship by refusing pleas for peace.
One phone call changed Trump
That phone call is said to have triggered Trump's confrontational approach.
On Monday, Trump announced a tougher stance on Russia. He promised to send more missiles, including 17 Patriot missile batteries and other weapons, to Ukraine.
Trump even gave a 50-day deadline for Moscow to reach a ceasefire or face sanctions.
Also read | Russia all set to scrap its cursed aircraft carrier, Admiral Kuznetsov
Trump threatened a 100% tariff on Russian goods, and secondary sanctions on countries that buy Russian oil, if Moscow rejects the truce.
However, Russia appeared unfazed by Trump’s threats.
Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Tuesday said that Russia can deal with sanctions, even if Trump followed through with his threats.
Also read | MAGA meltdown: Trump allies turn on each other over Epstein files
Experts believe that the 50-day deadline bodes well for Putin’s goals. They claim that it will give plenty of time for the Russian military to pursue its offensive against Ukraine.
The Trump administration has so far declined to justify the timeframe of 50 days.
