A Timeline of Trump’s Changing Stance on Russia-Ukraine Ceasefire
Washington, August 17, 2025 – Just hours after his highly-anticipated meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, US President Donald Trump dramatically shifted his stance on the Russia-Ukraine ceasefire, calling instead for a broader peace agreement.
Earlier, Trump had repeatedly demanded an immediate ceasefire and even warned Moscow of “very severe” consequences if the war continued. But following nearly three hours of talks with Putin, he said both sides agreed to skip a truce and move directly towards a comprehensive peace deal.
“It was determined by all that the best way to end the horrific war is to go directly to a Peace Agreement, and not a mere Ceasefire,” Trump wrote on social media.
This new stance diverges sharply from Ukraine and its European allies, who argue that a ceasefire must be the first step.
How Trump’s Position Evolved | A Timeline
- May 2025 – Trump calls for a 30-day unconditional ceasefire, warning of sanctions if ignored. Ukraine agrees, Russia counters with just a three-day pause.
- June 2025 – At the NATO summit, Trump openly criticises Putin’s refusal to halt the war, calling it “misguided.”
- July 2025 – Trump admits his phone call with Putin was unusually cold, complaining Putin says one thing but acts differently.
- July 2025 (late) – In frustration, Trump gives Putin 50 days to strike a deal or face sanctions on Russia’s major energy buyers.
- August 13, 2025 – Trump warns of “very severe” consequences if Russia does not end the war. India is also threatened with 50% tariffs over Russian oil trade.
- August 15, 2025 – Alaska Summit – After a three-hour meeting, Trump and Putin signal talks should focus on a final peace settlement, bypassing a ceasefire.
Alaska Talks: No Truce, Just “Peace Deal”
The Alaska summit ended without a formal agreement, but Trump insisted the discussions were “productive.” He later revealed that he and Putin had spoken about land transfers and security guarantees for Ukraine, suggesting they were “pretty close” to a settlement.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is expected to travel to the US on Monday for further talks. European allies remain sceptical, warning that bypassing a truce could leave Ukraine vulnerable.
Trump and Putin’s Unsteady Relationship
While Trump once banked on his personal rapport with Putin to solve the Ukraine crisis, tensions have grown in recent months. Trump’s threats of tariffs and sanctions signal a tougher line, even as he continues frequent calls with the Kremlin.
Still, analysts note that his latest position closely mirrors Moscow’s own stance – rejecting temporary truces in favour of a long-term settlement that secures Russia’s strategic interests.
“Trump’s Alaska pivot puts him closer to Putin’s stance than Ukraine’s — a move likely to spark global debate.”
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What was Trump’s earlier stance on the Russia-Ukraine war?
Trump initially pushed for an immediate ceasefire and threatened Russia with sanctions if it continued the war.
Why did Trump change his position after the Alaska meeting?
Following talks with Putin, Trump argued that a ceasefire would not hold and that only a full peace agreement could end the war.
How has Ukraine reacted to Trump’s change of stance?
Ukraine has not yet publicly accepted the revised approach, but President Zelensky is expected to meet Trump in the US soon.
Does Trump’s stance align with Russia’s?
Yes, Moscow has long argued that temporary ceasefires are ineffective and only a comprehensive deal can address its interests.
