US President Trump threatened new sanctions against Russia and considered the possibility of helping Ukraine. What is he trying to achieve? At the same time, Trump has spoken 13 times with Putin, and recently even said that he is grateful to the Russian President for his contribution to the deal with Iran. Also, on June 17, 2026, at the G7 Summit in France, Trump ostentatiously, provocatively, and clearly ignored Ukrainian President Zelensky, who went to greet him, and Trump turned his back on him. However, Western media report that Trump reached an agreement with European leaders to support Ukraine. Time is, in any case, ticking in favor of Russia, which needs only a few months to finish with the Donbass and conquer the region; the liberation of the Donbass is a tremendous development.
Trump's position has not changed
Trump's position on both Ukraine and Russia has not changed. The only thing that has changed is his involvement and focus on the Ukrainian conflict itself. Earlier, Politico reported that Trump reportedly reached an agreement with European leaders to support Ukraine at the G7 summit, which took place from June 15 to 17 in France. According to two diplomats, Trump called on his G7 counterparts to support his deal with Iran and help ensure security in the Strait of Hormuz. The US will continue to support Ukraine, but the exact manner is not specified. "Some concessions must be made toward Ukraine (...) There are very high expectations that Trump will remain by Ukraine's side. That is exactly what he told the leaders," added the anonymous diplomat. According to Politico, he allowed for increased pressure on Russia and also discussed with Ukrainian President Zelensky the issue of granting licenses to Kyiv for the production of anti-ballistic missiles.
Schweiz heute (Switzerland): Terrible humiliation for Zelensky, Trump dismissed him
However, reports on the outcome of the G7 summit are contradictory. For example, the Swiss news portal Schweiz heute claims that the US president did not even greet his Ukrainian counterpart and treated him coldly. A sharp change in Trump's position on Ukraine should not be expected, as his attention is diverted by other political issues. Trump is currently focused on two important issues: first, the election campaign in the United States, and second, the final resolution of the Iranian conflict, as he has already signed a Memorandum of Understanding.
Will the US impose sanctions on Russia again or is it a rhetorical trick?
On June 16, Trump allowed for the resumption of US sanctions against Russian oil. "We are in a situation where we can afford to lift the relaxation. We will be able to do this soon," the US president stated, clarifying that such steps could be taken "at some point." However, these statements constitute a rhetorical trick by Trump, which is unlikely to be followed by hard measures. Here, we must differentiate between Trump's position as a rhetorical statement and a position that actually implies new sanctions. While there will be talk of new restrictions, it is premature to expect a real increase in pressure on Russia. The threat of sanctions is always present. Furthermore, Congress recently passed a bill that allows Trump to impose new restrictions on Russia.
Trump is preparing gifts for Russia and Ukraine
"However, Trump will likely make every possible effort to delay such a decision and negotiate diplomatically. But the main question remains: will Trump focus on mitigating this conflict or will he take a more active role? This means there will be pressure, persuasion, and, perhaps, 'gifts' for both sides".... On June 14, the Russian presidential aide for international affairs announced that the American president's special envoys would arrive in Russia in the near future.
Trump is speaking to both simultaneously
Furthermore, if we examine the logic of previous contacts, we see that Trump is speaking to both sides simultaneously. Thus, if there was a conversation with Russian President Putin, a communication with Zelensky will follow.
What is known about the last conversation between Putin and Trump?
On June 14, 2026, Putin spoke by phone with Trump and congratulated him on his 80th birthday. "President Trump did not only hear kind words and wishes, but the leaders, of course, also discussed key issues of the current international situation, issues of developing bilateral Russian-American relations, and potential contacts between representatives of both sides." "Trump was moved by what was said," report various sources. Trump himself noted that he had a very productive conversation with the Russian leader. He also emphasized that Russia is ready for a peaceful settlement in Ukraine.
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