Kremlin Responds to Report That Trump Told Europe: "Putin Thinks He’s Winning in Ukraine"
The Kremlin responded Thursday to a report suggesting that former President Donald Trump told European leaders that Russian President Vladimir Putin believes he is winning the war in Ukraine.
According to The Wall Street Journal, Trump allegedly made the remark following a two-hour phone call with Putin—part of Washington’s latest effort to help end the three-year war. After the call, Trump reportedly signaled that the U.S. would be stepping back from a direct role in peace negotiations, dimming hopes that the talks could mark a breakthrough in his pledge to broker peace.
Trump reportedly told European leaders that Putin "isn't ready to end the Ukraine war because he thinks he is winning," according to senior European officials cited in the Journal.
Monday’s conference call included Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
One participant told the Journal that Trump opened the call by stating, “I think Vladimir does not want peace.”
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov dismissed the reports, stating: “We know what Trump said to President Putin. But we cannot confirm what he told the Europeans afterward. We only acknowledge the official statement made by Trump.”
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt later clarified Trump’s remarks. “He did say he believes Putin is winning the war,” Leavitt confirmed, “but he did not say that Putin is unwilling to end it.” She added that Trump reiterated several times during the call that he believes “Putin wants peace and wants the war to be over.”
Still, Trump drew criticism from European officials for effectively handing Putin a strategic win by signaling that the U.S. would no longer lead mediation efforts or introduce new sanctions. Ukraine and its allies are urging Washington to maintain pressure on Russia, including increased sanctions and more military support for Kyiv, arguing that Putin will not end the invasion on fair terms without external pressure.
The Journal also reported that prior to his Sunday call with Putin, Trump had indicated he would consider imposing sanctions if Putin refused to end hostilities. But by Monday, that position had changed. Instead of new sanctions, Trump proposed resuming lower-level peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, potentially hosted by the Vatican.
Speaking to reporters Monday, Trump stated: “This isn't my war. We got ourselves entangled in something we shouldn’t have been involved in.”
Ukrainian President Zelensky responded, warning: “It is crucial that the United States does not step back from its leadership role in peace efforts. The only one who benefits from disengagement is Putin.”
Peskov reiterated Russia’s stance on the timeline for negotiations: “There are no deadlines and there cannot be any. Everyone wants this resolved quickly, but the details are complex.”
Swedish economist Anders Åslund, who has advised both Russian and Ukrainian governments, told Newsweek: “In all matters concerning Russia, Trump acts like a junior partner to Putin, aligning with Moscow and avoiding real criticism. He may offer superficial pushback, but his loyalty seems clear.”
“Let’s be honest—Trump is Putin’s friend and ally,” Åslund added. “The real question is whether American institutions can still constrain him. European leaders are stunned to see the U.S. retreat from its historic leadership role.”
Despite the concerns, Trump claimed direct talks between Russia and Ukraine would resume "immediately." But the Kremlin made clear that no timeline had been set, stating, “There are no deadlines, and there cannot be any.”
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