US President Donald Trump is increasingly doubtful that he can convince Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the war in Ukraine, Axios reports, citing White House sources. According to them, Trump has admitted to his inner circle that he "overestimated Putin's desire for peace".
Trump's attitude to the conflict in Ukraine is reminiscent of his approach to the war in Gaza, journalists note. When he took office, he promised to quickly end both conflicts, but so far he has not made significant progress.
Axios points out that Trump reacted "in almost the same words" of the Russian strikes on Ukraine last Sunday and the Israeli strike on Qatar on Monday, targeting the leadership of "Hamas". After the Russian attack, he wrote on the social network Truth Social: "I don't like this whole situation", and expressed readiness to impose sanctions on Moscow. After the Israeli attack on Qatar, he commented: "I'm not happy with this whole situation".
Trump's public reaction to the Russian drones violating Polish airspace was limited to a brief comment on Truth Social: "What's this story about Russia violating Polish airspace with drones?". According to Axios, this statement resembles the reaction of a "curious bystander".
On Saturday, Trump announced that he would impose sanctions on Russia only if all NATO countries stop buying Russian oil.
According to Axios' sources, Trump's hesitation reflects growing frustration and a realization that his influence over Putin is less than he initially thought.