In a statement that underscored the uncertainty around Washington’s mediation efforts, US President Donald Trump on Friday said he would know within two weeks whether progress was possible in his push to end Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, Trump admitted he was “not happy” with any part of the current peace process, adding that both sides were deeply entrenched in hostility.
The president also dangled the possibility of “massive sanctions” against Moscow, while leaving the door open to stepping aside entirely. “We’ll see what happens. I think in two weeks, we’ll know which way I’m going,” Trump said.
Peace Talks Stuck Between Moscow and Kyiv
The president’s comments come a week after his high-profile discussions in Alaska with Russian President Vladimir Putin. That meeting, billed as a potential breakthrough moment, did not yield progress in arranging direct talks between Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
“There’s a tremendous amount of hatred there,” Trump said, pointing to the difficulty of bridging the divide between Moscow and Kyiv. “It’s very hard to get them to even consider being in the same room.”
For now, Ukraine continues to defend against Russian forces as Western allies watch closely for signs of a shift in US involvement. Trump’s personal investment in brokering peace has been evident, but his frustration with both leaders has become increasingly public.
Sanctions or Silence: Trump’s Stark Choices
At the heart of Trump’s warning lies a dilemma that could reshape the war’s trajectory. He floated two vastly different options—either imposing sweeping economic sanctions on Moscow or disengaging entirely. “We could hit them with massive sanctions,” he said. “Or we could say, ‘it’s your fight.’”
Sanctions remain one of Washington’s strongest tools, capable of squeezing Russia’s economy further. However, experts argue they could also drive Moscow closer to alternative partners such as China, potentially complicating global power balances.On the other hand, a full retreat from mediating would mark a dramatic shift in US foreign policy, leaving Ukraine vulnerable and Europe unsettled.
Also Read: Trump Puts His Stamp on the 2026 FIFA World Cup: Draw to Be Held at Washington’s Kennedy Center
Global Reaction and High Stakes
The ambiguity has left allies guessing. The governments of Europe, who greatly depend on US leadership to oversee the fight, are considering their options for handling either scenario. For Kyiv, Trump’s decision carries even more urgency. A commitment to sanctions would offer renewed pressure on Moscow, but disengagement could be devastating for Zelenskyy’s government.
As Washington’s two-week countdown unfolds, the stakes are higher than ever. Trump’s next action may either increase tensions or pave the way for communication. The battle has continued with astronomical human costs and global repercussions.
Trump’s framing of the situation reflects his characteristic style of brinkmanship—keeping adversaries guessing while signaling unpredictability. The next two weeks will be crucial, as the White House weighs whether Washington should intensify pressure on Russia or step back from a war that has defined global headlines for more than two years.
Observers say the decision will not only affect the battlefield in Ukraine but also shape Trump’s image as a negotiator capable of resolving one of the world’s most pressing conflicts. For now, uncertainty reigns—and all eyes remain fixed on the White House clock.
