The president is trying to make a deal. But this country simply isn’t cooperating.
And Donald Trump has steam coming out of his ears after a massive phone call with this foreign adversary.
Trump Voices Frustration After Tense Putin Call
President Donald Trump returned to Washington on Friday, disheartened after a Thursday phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Speaking to reporters fresh from a pre-Independence Day event in Iowa, Trump expressed disappointment, noting that Putin showed no willingness to halt Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine.
“I’m very disappointed with the conversation I had [Thursday] with President Putin because I don’t think he’s there. I’m just saying, I don’t think he’s looking to stop, and that’s too bad,” Trump said, reflecting on the discussion.
He lamented being caught in what he called “Biden’s war,” likening it to other inherited challenges like immigration. “It’s [former President Joe] Biden’s war, and I got stuck in the middle of it, just like I did with immigration and a lot of other things that they screwed up,” he added. “But I was not happy with the conversation.”
According to a Kremlin summary, Putin was resolute during the call, declaring that Russia “will not back down” from the “goals” of its military campaign.
Moscow continues to demand that any peace deal with Ukraine acknowledge its territorial gains in the eastern Donbas region—a condition Kyiv firmly rejects. Russia has also dismissed multiple American and European cease-fire proposals, which Ukraine has supported.
Before departing for Iowa, Trump admitted, “I didn’t make any progress” with Putin “at all.” The lack of headway comes amid escalating violence, with Russia launching a record-breaking assault on Ukraine recently. More than 500 drones and 11 missiles rained down on Kyiv, injuring at least 23 people in one of the war’s most devastating aerial attacks.
In Washington, the White House recently paused shipments of missiles and other critical supplies to Ukraine after reviewing U.S. stockpiles. Trump defended the move, stating, “Biden emptied out our whole country, giving them weapons, and we have to make sure that we have enough for ourselves.”
He emphasized ongoing support, however, noting, “We’ve given so many weapons, but we are giving weapons, and we’re working with them and trying to help them.”
Trump’s recent diplomatic efforts included a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the recent NATO summit in The Hague. Following their discussion, Trump hinted at the possibility of sending Patriot missile interceptors to Ukraine, saying he was “going to see” what could be done.
On Friday, before heading to his northern Virginia golf course, Trump held a call with Zelensky. The Ukrainian leader expressed gratitude on X, writing, “We — in Ukraine — are grateful for all the support provided. It helps us protect lives, safeguard our freedom and independence.”
He added, “President Trump is very well informed, and I thank him for his attention to Ukraine.”
Zelensky also highlighted progress on air defense cooperation, stating, “We spoke about opportunities in air defense and agreed that we will work together to strengthen protection of our skies. We have also agreed to a meeting between our teams.”
Meanwhile, bipartisan momentum is growing in Washington for a new sanctions package aimed at increasing pressure on Moscow.
However, the Trump administration has urged lawmakers to moderate these measures to avoid derailing potential peace negotiations with Russia.
As the war grinds on, Trump’s frustration emphasizes the challenges of navigating a conflict with no clear end in sight, while Ukraine continues to face relentless Russian aggression.
Stay tuned to The Federalist Wire.
