Former President Donald Trump’s relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin has taken a tumultuous turn in recent months, raising questions about the nature and future of their interactions. Since initiating back-channel discussions in February, it is likely that Trump has become more frustrated with Putin’s continued aggression in Ukraine. This growing strain has blown up into historic developments, marking what seems to be the final unraveling of their once-cordial alliance.
In February, Trump started his own back-channel negotiations with Putin, pressing Ukraine to cede territory to bring about a peace deal. Doing so helped establish the foundation for subsequent engagements. Significantly, this was the time when, at Tehran’s demand, Putin called to intervene on Iran’s behalf. Demonstrating the razor’s edge that is three-dimensional international diplomacy, Trump disclosed this counter-offer in public at a press conference following the summit.
By the end of May, Trump’s patience with Putin started to wear thin. He expressed dissatisfaction with the Russian leader’s handling of the Ukraine conflict, stating, “I consider Putin a person that’s been misguided. I’m very surprised actually. I thought we would have had that war settled.” That lament fed into a broader realization of everything that wasn’t going according to plan in Ukraine.
Trump’s staff experienced quite a bit of frustration during their time trying to block a European-drafted resolution at the UN General Assembly. This resolution was an important steppingstone that strongly condemned Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine. This widely criticized decision, especially within diplomatic circles, laid bare the contradictions at the heart of Trump’s foreign policy.
We know Trump’s frustration reached a boiling point following a July 4 phone call with Putin. According to one press report, the officials have not had positive communication since. The former president was displeased when it emerged that the Pentagon was withholding a shipment of arms intended for Ukraine without informing the White House. This lack of transparency fed his growing frustrations with his own administration and with Putin.
On Truth Social, Trump had the right idea when he warned that Putin is “playing with fire.” This statement is a clear and profound expression of his growing concern about the deepening conflict. His discomfort with the situation was further evident when he remarked, “I’m not happy with Putin. I can tell you that much right now.”
As these tensions escalated, Trump found himself face to face on camera with then-Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the White House. He criticized Zelenskyy for allegedly convincing the United States to invest heavily in a conflict he deemed unwinnable, stating, “Think of it, a modestly successful comedian, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, talked the US into spending $350 Billion Dollars, to go into a War that couldn’t be won.”
So what Trump did was a- he basically changed his position 180 degrees. He began to wonder what purpose Russia would have for wanting to annex Ukraine in the first place. He claimed that Russia had already liberated many of the provinces and Crimea, achieving their goals. “They don’t need to absorb Ukraine. That would be like occupying Gaza … The Russians have what they want,” he explained.
This change in tone points to a larger understanding bubbling up through Trump’s inner circle that Putin’s plan had shifted. Many outside observers think that Putin made the choice to go to war long ago. He believed he would ultimately achieve more in that direction than having warm personal ties with Trump.
In June, the Trump administration came down much harder. To start, they applied a jaw-dropping 500% tariff on all imports from any country that continues to purchase Russian uranium, gas, or oil. This action was seen as a sign of increased economic pressure on Russia and as a marked reversal from the popover, Trump’s earlier placating actions.
As both leaders face high stakes challenges in an increasingly treacherous geopolitical climate, their relationship is rapidly changing. Trump’s recent statements indicate he is no longer willing to tolerate perceived slights from Putin or overlook Russia’s aggressive actions in Ukraine.
“There is a line between flattery and self-abasement, and we happily crossed it.” – European diplomat.