Axios: Trump doubts his ability to influence Putin
14 September 2025 21:15
US President Donald Trump has begun to express doubts about his ability to influence Russian President Vladimir Putin and end the war waged by Russia against Ukraine. This was reported on Saturday, September 13, by the Axios portal, citing a source with direct knowledge, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports.
Trump admitted to his entourage that he had misjudged Putin’s desire for peace. A month ago, the American leader said that Vladimir Putin would face serious consequences if he did not agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine or take steps toward a peaceful settlement.
Putin’s refusal and the US reaction
Putin, however, did not agree to either a ceasefire or a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Despite this, Trump did not impose new sanctions on Russia.
Instead, the US administration began to demand that the European Union increase pressure on Moscow and Beijing. Washington expects the EU to impose additional sanctions.
Trump’s statements on sanctions
On September 13, Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social that he was ready to impose serious sanctions against Russia only if all NATO countries joined them and refused to buy Russian oil.
The day before, he reiterated that his patience with Vladimir Putin was “running out.”
