As Trump signals distance from Ukraine talks, European leaders worry U.S. influence is slipping just as Russia presses its demands.
Published: May 20, 2025 | By Alice W.
A Quiet Call That Sounds Very Loud
What was supposed to be a possible breakthrough call between President Trump and Vladimir Putin has instead made it even less clear what role the US will play in ending the war in Ukraine. There were fleeting hopes for peace, but they quickly disappeared.
Instead of calling for an immediate ceasefire or firmer demands, Trump said that Ukraine and Russia should settle the war “on their own terms.” This made some wonder if the U.S. really wants to stay involved. His comments came at the same time that Kyiv was asking for further help and European leaders were looking to the US to help them reach a long-lasting peace.
Important Changes
After the call, Trump said that Ukraine and Russia will start talking, but he didn’t say when, how long, or if the U.S. would be involved. Moscow, on the other hand, kept saying no to any 30-day truce plan until talks started on a definitive settlement. Most people think this is a way for Russia to buy time while its offensives became stronger.
Trump also suggested that the Vatican or the next Pope Leo may help with the talks. But others who watch think that only significant U.S. pressure—political, economic, and military—can get both parties to the table in a meaningful way.
What Caused It
Trump’s administration says it wants peace, but so far its plan doesn’t seem that urgent or clear. He didn’t say anything about giving Ukraine more help, putting fresh sanctions on Russia, or setting red lines for ceasefire conditions.
Instead, the way he spoke made it sound like he was a dealmaker checking for personal interest. Trump claimed he wouldn’t put more pressure on Putin because it may “make it much worse,” but he didn’t say what “worse” meant or what he thought would happen.
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Analysts say this fits with Moscow’s plan to drag out discussions to keep its gains while avoiding greater Western responses. The U.S. could lose the leverage it has been building for years if it puts all the blame on Kyiv.
Responses from the Ground
President Zelensky gave a well worded answer in Kyiv. He stressed how important it is for the U.S. to be involved and said that if the U.S. backs off, only Russia will benefit. He suggested talks with Europe, Turkey, or even the Vatican, but he stressed that they had to include Western countries to be taken seriously.
Leaders in Europe were angry behind closed doors because they were worried that Trump’s unclear tone could give Putin more power and damage NATO’s unity.
Russian official media, on the other hand, lauded the “respectful and open” call and said that Trump didn’t give Putin many problems.
What’s Next?
It looks like both the war and the diplomacy are stuck since there is no clear plan. People were even less sure that Trump’s “force of personality” would work after he said what he said. His administration’s unwillingness to press harder could make Ukraine more vulnerable and give Russia more power.
Without clear promises or deadlines, the risk is not only a longer war, but also a change in U.S. foreign policy that could have ramifications beyond Eastern Europe.
Last Thought
Trump says that peace is achievable. But if those words aren’t backed up by action, like sanctions, pressure, or clear diplomacy, the war might go on, and the prospect for real peace could be even farther away.
