Trump’s Strained Relations with Putin

In recent months, President Trump has publicly voiced frustration with Putin’s actions, a stark contrast to his earlier praise of the Russian leader. This shift has been particularly pronounced in the wake of Russia’s intensified military operations in Ukraine.

On May 25, 2025, Trump posted on Truth Social, calling Putin “absolutely crazy” following Russia’s largest aerial attack on Ukraine to date, which killed at least 13 civilians. “I’ve always had a very good relationship with Vladimir Putin of Russia, but something has happened to him,” Trump wrote, signaling a rare public break from his past rhetoric.

This criticism was echoed in subsequent statements. On May 26, 2025, Trump told reporters, “I’m not happy with what Putin’s doing. He’s killing a lot of people. I don’t know what the hell happened to Putin, I’ve known him a long time, always gotten along with him.” He also warned that Putin’s continued aggression could lead to Russia’s “downfall” and hinted at the possibility of new sanctions—a policy he has historically resisted. These remarks suggest that Trump’s patience with Putin is wearing thin, marking a significant evolution in their once-friendly rapport.

Key Events Driving the Strain

Several pivotal events in May 2025 have contributed to the deterioration of Trump-Putin relations, with the Ukraine conflict serving as the central catalyst.

Failed Ceasefire Negotiations

A highly anticipated two-hour phone call between Trump and Putin on May 15, 2025, aimed to broker a ceasefire in Ukraine. Trump had campaigned on ending the war swiftly, even claiming he could resolve it within 24 hours of taking office. However, the talks faltered when Putin refused an immediate ceasefire, instead demanding that Ukraine abandon its NATO ambitions and cede territory—conditions deemed unacceptable by Ukraine and its Western allies. The lack of progress left Trump visibly frustrated, undermining his promise of a quick diplomatic victory.

Russia’s Escalation in Ukraine

Days after the failed talks, Russia launched a massive drone and missile assault on Ukrainian cities, described as the war’s largest aerial attack. This move appeared to defy Trump’s diplomatic overtures, prompting his sharp rebuke on Truth Social. The attack not only escalated the conflict but also highlighted Putin’s willingness to prioritize military objectives over preserving his relationship with Trump.

Sanctions Debate

Despite his growing criticism of Putin, Trump has hesitated to impose new sanctions on Russia, a stance that has strained relations with European allies. While European leaders have advocated for tougher measures to curb Russian aggression, Trump has argued that sanctions could derail diplomatic efforts. This reluctance has fueled perceptions that he is unwilling to fully confront Putin, even as their personal rapport frays.

The Broader Political Landscape

The strain between Trump and Putin is deeply entwined with the broader geopolitical environment, particularly the Ukraine war and its ripple effects on international alliances.

Ukraine’s Stance

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has criticized Trump’s approach, accusing the U.S. of failing to apply sufficient pressure on Russia. Zelenskyy has pushed for stricter sanctions and more robust support, warning that any perceived weakness could embolden Putin further. Trump’s reluctance to escalate measures against Russia has strained U.S.-Ukraine relations, complicating his role as a potential mediator.

European Concerns

European leaders have expressed alarm at Trump’s handling of the situation. After the May 2025 phone call, officials from Germany, France, and the UK reportedly viewed it as a “major win” for Putin, citing Trump’s refusal to commit to new sanctions. The Financial Times quoted European diplomats who feared that Trump’s step back from peace talks signaled a diminished U.S. commitment to Ukraine, potentially weakening NATO’s unified stance against Russia.

U.S. Domestic Pressures

At home, Trump faces a divided political landscape. Some Republicans, such as Senator Marco Rubio, have urged a harder line on Russia, warning that appeasement could invite further aggression. Conversely, Trump’s critics on the left have accused him of being too lenient with Putin, pointing to his past praise as evidence of misplaced priorities. This domestic tension could influence his future decisions on Russia policy.

Putin’s Perspective and Kremlin Strategy

While Trump’s rhetoric has sharpened, Putin has remained largely unfazed, continuing to pursue Russia’s goals in Ukraine. The Kremlin has downplayed Trump’s criticisms, with spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stating on May 26, 2025, that Moscow was “very grateful” for Trump’s peace efforts, despite their lack of success. This response suggests that Putin sees Trump’s frustration as temporary and is banking on his reluctance to escalate tensions.

During their May 2025 call, Putin reportedly raised the prospect of economic cooperation, including trade deals involving Russia’s rare-earth minerals. This tactic underscores his strategy of using economic incentives to temper Trump’s criticism and maintain a working relationship, even amid the Ukraine conflict.

Analysis and Future Implications

The current strain in Trump-Putin relations marks a departure from the early days of Trump’s presidency, when the two leaders spoke of a potential U.S.-Russia “reset.” The Ukraine war has tested the limits of Trump’s personal diplomacy, revealing that his rapport with Putin may not suffice to bridge fundamental geopolitical divides.

Looking forward, several factors will shape the trajectory of this relationship:

Sanctions Decision

Trump’s stance on sanctions will be a key indicator of his willingness to confront Russia. While he has hinted at the possibility, his hesitation suggests a preference for diplomacy over punishment. This approach risks alienating allies and emboldening Putin, but a sudden shift to sanctions could escalate tensions further.

NATO Dynamics

The growing rift between the U.S. and Europe over Russia policy could undermine NATO’s cohesion. If Trump continues to diverge from European initiatives, it may weaken the alliance’s ability to counter Russian aggression effectively.

Domestic Fallout

With the 2026 midterms approaching, Trump’s handling of Russia could become a political liability. A worsening conflict or perceived weakness might erode his support, while a successful peace deal—however unlikely—could strengthen his position.