Trump Says “Russia Is Winning” as Ukraine Resists Stalled Kremlin Advance

U.S. President Donald Trump has privately told European leaders that he is “convinced Russia is winning,” echoing Kremlin talking points and signaling a pullback from earlier demands for a ceasefire and new sanctions, The Gaze reports, citing Bloomberg.

Trump’s remarks, delivered during a call with European heads of state following his conversation with Vladimir Putin, come as Russia’s military campaign in Ukraine stalls. 

According to open-source battlefield data tracked by DeepState, Russian troops have captured just 0.15% more Ukrainian territory since January — far from Putin’s stated goal of taking four full regions.

Despite these minimal gains, Trump’s retreat from pressure tactics — including walking back threats of sanctions — has raised alarm among Kyiv’s allies, who fear the shift plays into Moscow’s hands.

Still, Ukraine continues to resist. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy responded to the shifting diplomatic tone, stating: “It is America that Russia fears — and it is American influence that can save many lives, if used as leverage to make Putin end the war.”

Military experts warn that while Russia’s advance is slow and costly, Trump’s disengagement could allow the Kremlin to build negotiating power over time.

As The Gaze reported earlier, U.S. President Donald Trump has announced that Russia and Ukraine will “immediately start negotiations” for a ceasefire and a potential end to the war, following a two-hour phone call with Russian leader Vladimir Putin on Monday.

Meanwhile, Trump has officially unveiled the Golden Dome, a $175 billion space-based missile defense program designed to shield the United States from emerging threats posed by China and Russia. The initiative is poised to become a signature element of Trump’s defense doctrine.