President Trump Calls on Russia to End “Tragic and Avoidable” Ukraine War
Former President Donald J. Trump issued a strong statement on Friday, urging Russia to act immediately and engage in serious peace negotiations to stop the deadly war in Ukraine. His remarks came just before heading to Walter Reed Medical Center for his annual physical exam.
“Russia must move now,” Trump posted on Truth Social. “Thousands of lives are being lost each week in a brutal war that never should have started. It absolutely wouldn’t have happened if I were still President.”
Trump’s Special Envoy Meets Putin for High-Stakes Peace Talks
Trump’s top peace envoy, real estate magnate Steve Witkoff, arrived in Saint Petersburg to hold direct talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The mission: to restart stalled peace negotiations and protect civilian lives.
The Trump team has been quietly pursuing diplomacy behind the scenes. In recent weeks, U.S. and Russian representatives met separately with Ukrainian officials in Saudi Arabia to discuss ways to halt hostilities. While limited progress was made—particularly regarding the protection of vital energy infrastructure—Russia continued launching missile strikes, and Putin ordered 160,000 additional troops to be conscripted by summer.
Trump: “I’m Angry—This Should Never Have Happened”
In a recent media interview, President Trump did not hide his frustration. “I’m pissed off,” he told NBC News. “This war should never have happened. I don’t know what Zelensky is doing in Kyiv, and I’m angry with Putin, too.”
Trump, who is known for securing peace agreements during his first term, suggested economic retaliation if Russia refuses to come to the table.
“If there’s no peace, and it turns out Russia is to blame, I’ll put secondary tariffs on all Russian oil exports,” Trump declared. “That’s not just talk—it’s action.”
Witkoff: Ukrainian Territories Are the Key to Peace
This marks Steve Witkoff’s third visit to Russia as Trump’s chief negotiator since the war began in February 2022. He is the most senior American figure to engage directly with the Kremlin during the conflict.
Speaking to Tucker Carlson in March, Witkoff emphasized that the central issue is control over contested Ukrainian territories. “That’s the key. That’s where the big decisions must be made,” he said, while also noting he doesn’t view Putin as a “bad guy,” but rather as someone entrenched in a tough position.
A Return to Peace Through Strength
As Joe Biden continues to appear weak on the world stage, millions of Americans—especially seniors who remember the Reagan era—see Trump’s firm stance as a return to peace through strength. With Trump leading negotiations, there’s renewed hope that this costly, unnecessary war can finally come to an end—and that American leadership will be restored.
