Trump calls Putin an obstacle to peace and prepares tough pressure

Trump calls Putin an obstacle to peace and moves to tougher pressure on Russia

Donald Trump believes Vladimir Putin as the main obstacle to ending the war in Ukraine and is «tired of his games». This was reported by The Telegraph citing sources in the White House administration.

According to the newspaper, the US is moving to a strategy of forcing Russia to negotiate. Washington's latest moves - the arrest of a Russian oil tanker and support for new sanctions - have sent a direct signal to the Kremlin that time is running out for manoeuvres and delaying the process.

Details of the case

The Telegraph's White House sources say Trump is frustrated with the Kremlin's tactics, which they describe as «two steps forward, one step back». Washington is increasingly aware that Russia is playing a game of attrition, with no real intention of ending the war.

Despite Trump's previous statements about the possibility of a quick agreement with Moscow, the US position is now converging with Europe's approach to the need to strengthen sanctions and political pressure on Russia.

Sources emphasise that the administration is considering a comprehensive package of instruments of influence, ranging from financial restrictions to control over Russian oil exports and logistics.

A turning point

The final trigger for the change in mood in the White House was Russia's massive attack on Kyiv on the eve of the visit Vladimir Zelensky to Trump's Mar-a-Lago residence. The US president's entourage perceived the attack as a demonstrative challenge and a manifestation of Kremlin cunning.

According to US officials, such actions only confirmed that Putin is not interested in real compromises and is trying to put pressure on Ukraine militarily.

Context.

In recent weeks, the United States has stepped up actions against Russian and Venezuelan oil export schemes and publicly supported the preparation of new sanctions packages. European allies are calling for synchronisation of restrictions and tighter control over sanctions circumvention.

Against the backdrop of the ongoing war in Ukraine, the issue of forcing Russia to peace remains a key one in international politics, particularly for the EU, NATO and the US administration.