Special Poll
President Trump revealed in a recent interview with the New York Post that he has spoken with Russian President Vladimir Putin about ending the war in Ukraine but declined to specify how many times. Trump, who made a campaign promise to end the conflict quickly, expressed sorrow over the immense loss of life and compared the young soldiers dying in battle to his own sons.
“All those dead people. Young, young, beautiful people. They’re like your kids, 2 million of them — and for no reason,” Trump said during the interview, which took place aboard Air Force One. Joined by his national security adviser, Michael Waltz, Trump emphasized the urgency of negotiations, stating that both sides want to meet and that lives are being lost every day.
However, when pressed for details on his discussions with Putin or whether any concrete agreements had been reached, Trump was vague. When asked how many times they had spoken, he responded, “I’d better not say.” He claimed that Putin wants to see an end to the war and cares about stopping the killing but did not elaborate on any diplomatic steps or plans.
Trump also touched on foreign policy issues involving Israel and Iran. He stated that he would prefer a negotiated agreement with Iran over its nuclear ambitions rather than taking military action, suggesting that “they don’t want to die. Nobody wants to die.” He further implied that such a deal could prevent Israel from striking Iran. However, as with his remarks about Russia, Trump did not share any specific details on discussions or potential agreements.
The former president’s willingness to engage with Putin and his reluctance to disclose details have raised concerns among Democrats, who argue that Trump is increasingly under the influence of two powerful figures—Elon Musk and Vladimir Putin. They claim that Musk, through his influence over government efficiency programs, and Putin, through secret diplomatic talks, are now shaping key aspects of Trump’s administration.
Democratic leaders have voiced alarm over Trump’s direct talks with Putin, given Russia’s role in the ongoing conflict. Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022, after previously occupying Crimea in 2014. Throughout his presidency, Trump has been critical of U.S. involvement in Ukraine and has blamed his predecessor’s policies for prolonging the war. Although the Biden administration provided substantial military aid to Ukraine, Republican opposition to continued support has been growing, especially as the party now controls both chambers of Congress.
Trump’s meeting last week with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also sparked discussion, as Netanyahu visited Washington and met with leading figures in Congress. While Trump has publicly positioned himself as a dealmaker on major international conflicts, his lack of transparency regarding conversations with global leaders continues to fuel speculation about his true alliances and objectives.