Trump Losing Leverage On Russia?

Retired U.S. Army Lt. Col. Tony Shaffer is warning that President Donald Trump’s efforts to bring peace in Ukraine may face tougher odds than before—thanks to continued battlefield advances by Russian forces.

Appearing on The Chris Salcedo Show, Shaffer explained that convincing Russian President Vladimir Putin to negotiate has become more difficult now that Moscow is gaining the upper hand.

“It’s hard to make a deal with someone who thinks he’s winning,” Shaffer said. “In poker terms, Putin’s holding a straight flush—and he thinks we’re bluffing with a weak hand.”

According to Shaffer, one major Ukrainian stronghold—Petrovsk—is on the verge of collapse. Russian troops are pushing deeper into Ukrainian territory, with no signs of slowing down.

🇺🇸 Trump Responds with Bold Strategy

President Trump isn’t waiting around. In a move aimed at cutting off Russia’s lifelines, he’s now threatening secondary sanctions on countries still doing business with Moscow.

India, a major buyer of Russian energy, has been singled out.

“I don’t care what India does with Russia,” Trump declared on Truth Social. “They can take their dead economies down together, for all I care. We’ve done very little business with India. Their tariffs are too high—among the highest in the world.”

💡 Energy Crisis Looms as India, China Brace for Sanctions

Shaffer believes the real pressure point is oil. “India and China can’t survive without it,” he said. “They’re hooked on Russian energy, and that gives Putin leverage.”

With sanctions looming, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi faces a difficult decision: risk his country’s energy supply or break with Russia.

“Trump’s asking Modi to stop buying Russian oil. But India’s economy is already under strain. For them, it’s a lose-lose situation,” Shaffer said.

🧠 Trump’s Instincts Are Right—But the Strategy Needs Sharpening

Shaffer praised Trump’s tough approach, calling his instincts “spot-on.” But he also suggested the 45th president needs stronger advisors to fine-tune the game plan.

“President Trump is doing what no one else is willing to do—putting real pressure on Russia and its enablers,” Shaffer said. “But to get results, he’ll need sharper tactics and experienced voices around him.”

⚠️ Tensions Rising: Putin Talks Missiles, Trump Moves Nuclear Subs

With the deadline for sanctions approaching, both sides are ramping up their posture.

Putin is boasting of new missile systems going operational, while President Trump has ordered two nuclear-armed Navy submarines into waters closer to Russia—a clear warning that America is watching.

🧭 Conclusion: Trump Takes Lead in Pursuit of Real Peace

While the Biden administration remains on the sidelines, President Trump is actively confronting the global threats facing America.

Through bold leadership, strategic pressure, and an unwavering commitment to peace through strength, Trump is proving once again why so many Americans trust his leadership on the world stage.