Sat Apr 26 15:51:25 UTC 2025: ## Trump Casts Doubt on Russia’s Willingness for Ukraine Peace Deal
**Rome, Italy –** President Donald Trump expressed skepticism Saturday about Russia’s commitment to ending the war in Ukraine, contradicting his earlier optimism for an imminent peace deal. Just a day prior, Trump had stated that Ukraine and Russia were “very close to a deal.”
This shift in Trump’s stance came after a brief meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at Pope Francis’ funeral in the Vatican. Trump now suggests that Putin may be stalling negotiations, hinting at the need for stronger sanctions, including “Banking” or “Secondary Sanctions,” to pressure Russia.
Trump’s new doubts directly contrast with his previous positive assessment following a meeting between his special envoy, Steve Witkoff, and Putin in Moscow. The President’s comments also follow a recent public rebuke of Putin after deadly attacks on Kyiv.
The meeting between Trump and Zelenskyy, their first face-to-face encounter since a heated Oval Office meeting in February, was described as “productive” by the White House. Zelenskyy expressed hope for results from their discussion, focusing on a full ceasefire and lasting peace. However, despite plans for a follow-up conversation, the two leaders did not speak again due to scheduling conflicts.
While Trump has urged both sides to negotiate, Russia hasn’t committed to a proposed 30-day halt to hostilities. Meanwhile, Senator Chuck Grassley urged Trump to impose tougher sanctions on Russia, accusing Putin of playing the U.S. Despite previous threats, Trump has yet to impose new sanctions on Russia.
Zelenskyy reiterated his calls for an unconditional ceasefire and emphasized the need for real pressure on Russia to achieve peace. He confirmed the possibility of “very significant meetings” in the coming days. Trump, in a recent interview, stated that Crimea will remain with Russia. Putin, facing an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court, did not attend the funeral.
First Piper 