Trump on Russia-Ukraine War: ‘We’re Doing What We Can,’ Calls Putin a ‘Gentleman’

On Monday, President Donald Trump spoke by phone with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, discussing the possibility of a ceasefire in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. The next day, during a speech at a Kennedy Center Board Dinner, Trump praised Putin, describing him as a “gentleman” and expressing hope for progress in resolving the conflict. His remarks, delivered with his characteristic blend of confidence and candor, shed light on his administration’s approach to the war and broader foreign policy challenges.


A Devastating Toll: 5,000 Soldiers Lost Each Week


Trump painted a grim picture of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, claiming that approximately 5,000 young soldiers are losing their lives every week. “Can you believe it? Five thousand!” he exclaimed, emphasizing the scale of the tragedy. He suggested the true number could be even higher, as airstrikes and combat are also claiming civilian lives. Calling the war a “massacre,” Trump stressed that his administration is working tirelessly to bring it to an end. “We’re doing what we can,” he said, underscoring the urgency of finding a resolution. “I’ve seen satellite images—devastation everywhere. It’s heartbreaking.”

The President didn’t mince words when assigning blame, pointing the finger squarely at the previous Biden administration. “This all happened under their watch,” Trump said. “They let it happen.” He argued that the war, which has raged since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, could have been prevented with stronger leadership. While acknowledging that the conflict doesn’t directly involve the United States, Trump emphasized his commitment to brokering peace. “This isn’t our fight, but we’re trying to stop it,” he said, framing his efforts as a moral imperative rather than a strategic necessity.


A “Gentleman” in Moscow: Trump’s Take on Putin


Trump’s comments about his conversation with Putin raised eyebrows. “Just yesterday, I spoke with a gentleman named Vladimir Putin,” he said. “We had a good talk, and we made a little progress.” The description of Putin as a “gentleman” stood out, given the Russian leader’s controversial role in the war and his broader geopolitical actions. Trump’s willingness to engage directly with Putin signals a continuation of his unconventional approach to diplomacy, prioritizing personal relationships with world leaders, even those viewed as adversaries by many in the West.

While Trump didn’t elaborate on the specifics of their discussion, he expressed cautious optimism about the potential for a breakthrough. His remarks suggest a belief that direct dialogue could pave the way for a ceasefire, though he acknowledged the complexity of the situation. “We’re trying, and we’re making progress,” he said, without providing details on what that progress entails.



Beyond Ukraine: Trump’s Middle East Triumph


In the same speech, Trump shifted focus to his recent trip to the Middle East, which he described as “tremendously successful.” He highlighted securing deals worth $1.5 billion, though he didn’t specify the nature of the agreements. “The Middle East isn’t our fight either, but we’re working to calm things down,” he said, drawing a parallel to his efforts in Ukraine. Trump’s comments reflect his broader foreign policy philosophy: while emphasizing that the U.S. shouldn’t be entangled in foreign conflicts, he sees a role for American leadership in brokering peace and securing economic opportunities.

The President’s remarks at the Kennedy Center were vintage Trump—blunt, confident, and tinged with a sense of personal ownership over complex global issues. By framing the Russia-Ukraine war as a failure of the Biden administration and touting his own diplomatic efforts, Trump is positioning himself as a decisive leader on the world stage. His praise for Putin, however, is likely to spark debate, given the fraught history between the U.S. and Russia.

A Call for Peace Amidst Chaos


Trump’s speech underscored the human cost of the Russia-Ukraine war, with thousands of lives lost and entire communities reduced to rubble. His reference to satellite imagery showing widespread destruction added a visceral element to his appeal for peace. “It’s a mess,” he said. “We’re trying to clean it up.” Whether his approach—marked by direct engagement with controversial figures like Putin—will yield results remains to be seen. For now, Trump is signaling that his administration will take an active role in addressing global conflicts, even those he insists are not America’s to fight.

As the war in Ukraine continues to claim lives and reshape geopolitics, Trump’s words carry weight. His willingness to engage with both Putin and Zelenskyy suggests a hands-on approach to diplomacy, one that prioritizes deal-making and personal rapport. Whether this strategy can bring an end to the bloodshed—or at least reduce the staggering weekly death toll—remains an open question. For now, Trump’s message is clear: he’s doing what he can, and he’s not afraid to call even the most polarizing world leaders “gentlemen” in the process.