Trump team divided over Putin’s peace intentions as Ukraine war enters critical stage

By Admin

15 Apr, 2025

As the Ukraine war grinds into a more dangerous phase, a widening rift has emerged inside the Trump administration over how to handle Russian President Vladimir Putin’s peace overtures and ongoing military aggression. Amid fresh missile attacks, stalled diplomacy, and a rising civilian death toll, scepticism is growing within the White House about Moscow’s true intentions—raising the stakes for U.S. foreign policy.

Scepticism Mounts Amid Russian Aggression

Tensions within President Donald Trump's foreign policy circle are at a boiling point. The latest Russian missile strike, which killed 34 civilians in the Ukrainian city of Sumy, has intensified the internal debate. While Trump condemned the attack as "a mistake" and criticized former President Joe Biden for failing to prevent the war, others in his administration voiced harsher sentiments. Secretary of State Marco Rubio called the strike "horrifying," while U.S. envoy to Ukraine Keith Kellogg declared it had "crossed any line of decency."

This grim event has deepened divisions over how to respond to Putin’s mixed signals. On one side are Rubio and Kellogg, who warn that the Russian president’s actions betray a strategic delay—not a genuine desire for peace. They urge Trump to adopt a tougher stance, including re-evaluating his current restraint on sanctions.

Trump Backs Peace Envoy Despite Growing Doubts

Despite internal resistance, Trump continues to stand by Steve Witkoff, the U.S. envoy who has met with Putin in Moscow and remains confident that the Russian leader wants to end the war. Witkoff’s optimism has influenced Trump’s current peace-first strategy, which prioritizes rapid de-escalation and a broader reset in U.S.-Russia relations.

However, Putin’s rejection of a full cease-fire and continued military operations suggest otherwise. Analysts argue that Russia’s negotiating tactics are designed to gain time and concessions—most notably, control over occupied Ukrainian territories.

Sanctions on Hold—But for How Long?

The pressure is mounting on Trump to act decisively. While he has grown frustrated with Putin’s recent behavior, he has not moved to expand sanctions on Russia’s crucial oil sector, despite calls from within his team. Rubio and Kellogg have warned that failing to hold Putin accountable risks weakening U.S. influence and prolonging the conflict.

Behind the scenes, the State and Treasury departments are preparing sanctions packages in case Trump opts to change course. Former diplomat Daniel Fried confirmed the readiness of new measures: “They’re waiting for Trump to decide if he’s had enough of Putin.”

Meanwhile, Congress isn’t waiting. Senator Lindsey Graham and several bipartisan lawmakers have proposed legislation targeting Russia’s energy sector unless peace progress is made. The White House, cautious about disrupting diplomatic channels, has asked lawmakers to delay the vote—though Graham insists he has the support of at least 50 senators.

Zelensky-Putin Gap Remains Wide

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has been blunt in his assessment. From Kyiv, he warned that Moscow is not negotiating in good faith. “If there is no strong enough pressure on Russia, they will keep waging war,” he said.

Experts believe Putin has not strayed from his original objectives: seizing key Ukrainian territories and installing a pro-Russian government in Kyiv. “These goals remain unchanged,” said Thomas Graham, a former National Security Council official.

The Countdown to a High-Stakes Gamble

Still, Trump remains confident in his ability to end the conflict. “I think you’ll have some very good proposals very soon,” he told reporters, reaffirming his campaign promise to deliver peace within 24 hours of returning to office. Kellogg has since adjusted that timeline to the first 100 days, setting a de facto deadline of April 30.

National Security Council spokesman Brian Hughes emphasized that the Sumy attack highlights the urgent need to test Putin’s sincerity. “We will know soon enough—in a matter of weeks, not months—whether Russia is serious about peace or not,” Rubio echoed from Brussels.