US President Faces Criticism for Missing Commitment to End War Before Taking Office
US President Donald Trump, who pledged to end the Russia-Ukraine war before assuming office, has missed his self-imposed deadline and on Wednesday urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to “make a deal” to halt the conflict.
In a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump threatened “high levels of taxes, tariffs, and sanctions on anything being sold by Russia to the United States, and various other participating countries.” However, he added that he is “not looking to hurt Russia” and emphasized his “very good relationship” with Putin.
“I’m going to do Russia, whose economy is failing, and President Putin, a very big favor. Settle now, and stop this ridiculous war,” Trump wrote. “If we don’t make a ‘deal,’ and soon, I have no other choice.”
The war, which began with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, has persisted for nearly three years. During this time, the United States and its allies have funneled significant financial support and military aid to Kyiv.
Trade between the US and Russia has nosedived, falling at least 86 percent since the war’s onset, according to US Census Bureau data published by Forbes last year. Meanwhile, European allies of the US continue to rely on Russian gas, despite sanctions.
Trump’s threats come on the heels of sanctions imposed by the Biden administration, which targeted Russian gold, banks, energy firms, shipping companies, weapons manufacturers, and the personal assets of oligarchs, including luxury yachts. It remains unclear what additional measures Trump could introduce.
Even Iran, a key ally of Moscow and itself heavily sanctioned by the US, has urged Russia to consider ending the conflict.
Trump’s statements stand in stark contrast to the promises he made on the campaign trail. In 2023, during a conservative political convention, Trump declared, “Before I even arrive at the Oval Office, I will have the disastrous war between Russia and Ukraine settled. It will be settled quickly.”
Throughout his campaign and as president-elect, Trump repeated his claims of being able to swiftly resolve the conflict, citing his personal rapport with Putin and his negotiation skills. Speaking to UK television channel GB News, Trump asserted that he “could easily end the war in 24 hours.”
The missed deadline has drawn criticism from political opponents and experts alike. While Democrats accuse Trump of oversimplifying a complex geopolitical crisis, some Republicans support his hardline stance, albeit with caution about potential repercussions.
As Trump continues to push for a resolution, the conflict shows no sign of abating, leaving many to question whether his approach will yield the results he promised. The international community remains watchful, as both Kyiv and Moscow have thus far shown little inclination toward compromise.