Trump’s Claims on Ukraine and Putin Stir Confusion and Raise Doubts About U.S. Policy

Washington — President Donald Trump’s recent comments on the war in Ukraine have drawn widespread criticism from U.S. allies, foreign policy experts and even commentators on conservative media, as his statements appeared to downplay Russia’s aggression while casting doubt on Ukraine’s efforts to defend its sovereignty.

Mr. Trump, who has repeatedly claimed he could end the war between Russia and Ukraine “in 24 hours,” offered no clear plan for doing so during a series of public remarks this week. Instead, his comments reflected a pattern of contradictions and a notably conciliatory tone toward Russian President Vladimir Putin, despite Russia’s nearly decade-long military campaign against Ukraine.

Speaking to reporters at his Mar-a-Lago residence alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Mr. Trump was asked about an alleged Ukrainian attempt to strike Mr. Putin’s residence in northern Russia — a claim made by Russian officials and denied by Kyiv. Initially, Mr. Trump said he had no knowledge of such an incident. Moments later, however, he stated that Mr. Putin had personally informed him of the alleged attack earlier that same day.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov claimed that Ukraine had launched 91 long-range drones toward Mr. Putin’s residence, all of which were intercepted, causing no damage or injuries. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky rejected the accusation, calling it fabricated and warning that Moscow was laying the groundwork for renewed strikes on Kyiv under the guise of retaliation.

The conflicting accounts underscored broader concerns about Mr. Trump’s handling of the conflict. In multiple statements, he suggested that both Russia and Ukraine were equally eager for peace and that both sides shared responsibility for the continuation of the war — a framing that sharply diverges from the position of the United States’ European allies and from longstanding bipartisan assessments in Washington.

Mr. Trump also asserted that Russia “wants to see Ukraine succeed,” a remark that drew visible disbelief from Mr. Zelensky during a recent public appearance and prompted skepticism even from commentators on Fox News, a network generally supportive of the president.

Mr. Zelensky, speaking separately, reiterated that Ukraine seeks peace but would not accept territorial concessions or compromises on sovereignty without a national referendum. He emphasized that Russia’s continued missile and drone attacks, including strikes during diplomatic engagements, demonstrate a lack of genuine interest in negotiations.

In Russia, state-aligned media outlets reacted favorably to Mr. Trump’s remarks. Several newspapers portrayed him as a leader more sympathetic to Moscow’s worldview than to that of Europe, suggesting that his administration could pressure Kyiv into ending the conflict on terms favorable to the Kremlin.

Foreign policy analysts warn that such perceptions carry real consequences. “Mixed signals from Washington weaken deterrence and embolden Moscow,” said one former U.S. diplomat, who noted that ambiguity over American resolve has historically shaped Russian strategic calculations.

As the war continues, Mr. Trump’s rhetoric has heightened uncertainty about the future direction of U.S. policy toward Ukraine. While he has argued that his approach could lead to a swift end to the conflict, critics contend that his statements risk undermining Ukraine’s negotiating position and signaling tolerance for Russian aggression.

With no clear diplomatic framework presented and peace efforts stalled, the gap between Mr. Trump’s assurances and the realities on the battlefield remains stark — leaving allies, adversaries and Ukrainians themselves questioning what role the United States will ultimately play.