Trump Signals Possible Shift on Russia if Talks Fail, Voices Disappointment in Putin
U.S. President Donald Trump said Washington could revise its approach to Russia if it becomes clear that his recent meeting with Vladimir Putin in Alaska yields no tangible results.
The Gaze reports this, referring a White House press conference on September 2.
Trump described the August talks with the Russian leader as “very good,” but warned that patience has limits. “We’ll see if something comes out of it. If not, then we will take another position,” he said, without specifying what steps might follow.
U.S. President indicated that he is prepared to impose economic sanctions on Moscow if Putin shows no willingness to pursue peace. He promised “consequences” if there is no progress toward arranging a summit between the Russian and Ukrainian presidents.
In parallel remarks released during an interview with CNN commentator Scott Jennings, Trump voiced frustration with Putin.
“I am very disappointed in President Putin, I can say that. And we are doing something to help people survive. Seven thousand people are dying every week. Mostly soldiers, but seven thousand. If I can stop this, I believe I have a duty to do it,” he said.
Despite his criticism of the Kremlin, Trump dismissed concerns about deepening Russia–China ties, stressing that the United States maintains military superiority.
“I am not concerned at all. We have the strongest army in the world. They will never use force against us – that would be the worst thing they could do,” he said.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said Kyiv is ready for direct talks with Moscow, though he accused Russia of “investing in further war.”
Despite this, Trump has repeatedly expressed hope for a “very quick” end to the conflict, while avoiding firm deadlines.
U.S. officials say both sides have softened their positions in recent weeks, though Moscow continues to resist a leaders’ summit while pressing additional demands.
As The Gaze previously reported, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Ukraine expects strong support from the U.S., Europe and the G20 against Russia, as the two-week period set by U.S. President Donald Trump for Moscow to prepare for negotiations comes to an end.