President Donald Trump’s once-warm relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin appears to be fraying, as Russia intensifies its air campaign against Ukraine and rebuffs U.S.-led ceasefire efforts. Despite repeatedly claiming he could end the war in Ukraine within 24 hours of taking office, more than six months into his second term, Trump now finds himself frustrated with the Russian leader he once praised.
“We get a lot of b**shit thrown at us by Putin, if you want to know the truth,” Trump told reporters on July 9. “He’s very nice to us all the time, but it turns out to be meaningless.”
From Praise to Pressure
Trump and Putin have a long history of mutual admiration, dating back to Trump’s first term. Trump frequently praised Putin and downplayed Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, even suggesting early this year that Ukraine would need to make territorial and economic concessions, including giving up claims to Crimea and mineral rights.
But recent events have prompted a dramatic shift. Since January, Russia has escalated its drone and missile strikes on Ukrainian cities. U.S. intelligence reports suggest these strikes have intensified since Trump’s return to office. In April, Trump publicly criticized the Russian campaign: “I am not happy with the Russian strikes on Kyiv. Not necessary, and very bad timing. Vladimir, STOP!”
This evolution comes after months of failed indirect ceasefire talks and multiple phone calls between Trump and Putin. Trump’s frustration now mirrors sentiments long held by Ukraine’s allies and foreign policy experts.
Shift in U.S. Policy Toward Russia
Amid the stalemate, Trump has authorized the Pentagon to resume weapons shipments to Ukraine, reversing an earlier pause. He has also increased pressure on European allies to bolster Ukraine’s air defense capabilities, some of which have responded with new support.
Additionally, bipartisan momentum is building in Congress for legislation that would impose severe sanctions on Russia. A proposed bill includes a 500% tariff on countries that continue to trade in Russian oil, gas, or petroleum if Moscow refuses to negotiate peace.
“We need a Russia sanctions bill that puts some real constraints on the ability of the president to play on again, off again, with Vladimir Putin,” said Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.).
Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) confirmed that the sanctions bill could come to a vote as early as this month.
Diplomatic Overtures Continue
Despite the hardening stance, diplomacy remains in motion. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, speaking from Malaysia on July 10, said he had met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, who presented a “new concept” for potential peace talks. Rubio indicated he would brief the president upon returning to Washington.
Trump, for his part, has hinted at a “major” announcement on Russia expected early next week, fueling speculation about a potential policy shift or new diplomatic initiative.
A Relationship Reconsidered
The unraveling of the Trump-Putin dynamic marks a striking evolution. Once unwilling to criticize Putin, Trump now openly questions the Russian leader’s motives and commitment to peace. Former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Bill Taylor noted, “Trump has now figured it out that Putin is the problem.”
As Russia’s war in Ukraine grinds on, the United States appears to be recalibrating its strategy — trading admiration for assertiveness and laying the groundwork for a more forceful response to Putin’s ongoing aggression.
