President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met face-to-face for the first time since their public fallout earlier this year, signaling what may become a critical turning point in the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia. The meeting, held quietly in Rome while both leaders attended Pope Francis’ funeral, was described by both sides as “very productive” and “potentially historic.”
While official details of the conversation remain limited, it is clear that the focus was on ending a war that has dragged on for more than three years, costing countless lives and devastating Ukraine’s infrastructure. Both President Trump and Zelenskyy seemed to recognize the urgency of the moment.
Zelenskyy later called the meeting “very symbolic,” hinting at its deeper significance beyond diplomacy. In a post on Truth Social, Trump reiterated that peace is within reach, stating, “A good day in talks and meetings with Russia and Ukraine. They are very close to a deal, and the two sides should now meet at very high levels to ‘finish it off.’ Most of the major points are agreed to. Stop the bloodshed, NOW.”
Trump’s Growing Frustration With Putin
Despite Trump’s optimism about Ukraine’s willingness to negotiate, he expressed growing frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Just days before the meeting with Zelenskyy, Trump sharply criticized Putin for ordering fresh missile strikes on Kyiv that killed 12 civilians and injured dozens more, including children.
“There was no reason for Putin to be shooting missiles into civilian areas,” Trump wrote. “It makes me think that maybe he doesn’t want to stop the war, he’s just tapping me along.”
Trump suggested that harsher measures like “Banking” or “Secondary Sanctions” might soon be necessary, signaling a more aggressive posture if Russia continues its deadly campaign. “Too many people are dying!!!” he added.
These comments mark a notable shift. While Trump has often spoken about his ability to negotiate with world leaders, his public patience with Putin appears to be wearing thin. It is a serious reminder that peace requires willingness on both sides — and that Russia’s commitment remains in serious doubt.
Cleaning Up Obama and Biden’s Foreign Policy Failures
Trump has been clear about where he places blame for the ongoing war. He called it “Sleepy Joe Biden’s War” and slammed former President Barack Obama for failing to prevent Russia’s 2014 annexation of Crimea. “This is Sleepy Joe Biden’s War, not mine,” Trump posted. “It should have never happened, and wouldn’t have happened if I were President at the time.”
History backs up this claim. During Obama’s tenure, Russia moved into Crimea with minimal resistance from the West. Biden, then Vice President, was heavily involved in shaping U.S. policy toward Ukraine — a policy that many now agree was weak and ineffective. Biden’s early messaging after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 was similarly timid, suggesting that a “minor incursion” might be tolerated.
Now, Trump finds himself cleaning up yet another foreign policy disaster left behind by the Obama-Biden team. And the stakes could not be higher. With thousands of lives being lost every week, and with global security hanging in the balance, Trump has taken it upon himself to push for real solutions rather than endless escalation.
Peace is Possible — If Both Sides Are Willing
Secretary of State Marco Rubio echoed Trump’s sentiments, telling reporters, “This war is endable. Both sides just have to agree to it.”
The path forward will not be easy. Trump has criticized both Putin’s aggression and Zelenskyy’s hardline stance on Crimea, suggesting that compromise is necessary to avoid endless war. Still, Trump remains confident, stating that he is sticking to his own “deadline” for achieving peace and believes there is “a very good chance of getting [a deal] done.”
The White House under Trump has made it clear: the United States is ready to assist in facilitating the end of this cruel and senseless war, but will not tolerate gamesmanship from either side.
Final Thoughts
The Rome meeting between Trump and Zelenskyy was more than a symbolic handshake. It was a serious step toward peace at a time when the world desperately needs it. Trump’s willingness to meet, to push for an agreement, and to call out Putin publicly shows leadership that has been sorely lacking over the past decade.
It is now up to Russia and Ukraine to decide whether they will rise to the moment — or prolong a tragedy that never should have begun.
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No this war began under Obama Biden
Yes Biden kept going once in office