WSJ: Trump Told European Leaders Putin Is Not Ready to End the War

Russian President Putin is reportedly not ready to end the war in Ukraine, believing he is winning. This was conveyed by U.S. President Trump to European leaders following his lengthy phone call with Putin on Monday, according to sources cited by The Wall Street Journal.

Trump's new stance differs from his previous statements about Putin's intentions. Ukrainian President Zelensky and European leaders have long argued that Putin seeks to prolong the war rather than negotiate peace. Zelensky has repeatedly urged Trump to increase pressure on Russia, but to no avail.

After his call with Putin, Trump spoke with Zelensky, French President Macron, German Chancellor Merz, Italian Prime Minister Meloni, and EU Commission President Von der Leyen. Von der Leyen emphasized the need to escalate pressure on Russia, as Putin failed to attend planned negotiations in Istanbul.

Trump initially claimed Putin desired peace, but after Monday's call, he expressed optimism on Truth Social, stating that Russia and Ukraine would begin ceasefire talks immediately. Putin, however, remained non-committal, insisting on a framework agreement before any truce.

German Defense Minister Pistorius criticized Trump for overestimating his influence on Putin, while French President Macron announced joint U.S.-EU sanctions if a ceasefire failed. The EU introduced its 17th sanctions package against Russia, but the U.S. did not follow suit.

Dutch Prime Minister Schoof described his conversation with Trump as productive, stressing NATO unity ahead of next month's summit in The Hague.