U.S. President Donald Trump stated Tuesday that he believes Russian President Vladimir Putin wants to end the war in Ukraine, even as Moscow continues to launch missile strikes on Ukrainian cities. During an interview with ABC News’ Terry Moran, Trump was asked if he thinks Putin is interested in peace. “I think he does,” Trump replied, adding, “If it weren’t for me, I think he’d want to take over the whole country.”
Trump's comments come amid ongoing conflict in Ukraine, where Russian forces have continued targeting civilian infrastructure despite global calls for de-escalation. The former president emphasized his role in containing Russia's ambitions during his time in office. “I will tell you, I was not happy when I saw Putin shooting missiles into a few towns and cities,” he said.
The interview, conducted as part of Trump’s public appearances marking milestones in his political career, highlighted his belief that his foreign policy approach had deterred Russian aggression during his presidency. Trump has repeatedly claimed that under his leadership, global adversaries—including Putin—acted more cautiously.
Trump’s remarks are expected to fuel debate over the effectiveness of past and current U.S. strategies toward Russia, particularly as the Biden administration continues to provide military and humanitarian support to Ukraine. The war, now in its third year, remains one of the most pressing geopolitical crises, with no clear end in sight.
While Trump’s statement signals his perspective on ending the war, critics argue that diplomatic efforts require more than belief—they demand coordinated global action and accountability for continued aggression.
The ongoing conflict has killed tens of thousands and displaced millions, drawing global condemnation and leading to sweeping sanctions against Moscow. The question of Putin’s intentions remains at the heart of international discussions on peace in Eastern Europe.