President Trump has once again suggested that the Kremlin was previously willing to negotiate an end to the war in Ukraine, implying that unspecified actors blocked a potential deal.
“I think he was ready to make a deal a while ago,” Trump told reporters following a 90-minute phone call with Putin on April 28, 2026. “I think some people made it difficult for him to make a deal,” he added, without clarifying who “some people” refers to .
The remark came as part of a broader discussion about a proposed “little bit of a ceasefire” that Trump says he floated to the Russian leader.
🕊️ Trump’s Ceasefire Pitch & Putin’s Response
Trump stated that he suggested a ceasefire during the conversation, saying: “I suggested a little bit of a ceasefire and I think he might do that” .
- Russian Position: Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov confirmed after the call that Putin is open to a temporary ceasefire specifically for the Victory Day celebrations on May 9 . However, Russia has not committed to a longer-term freeze.
- U.S. Optimism: Trump expressed confidence in a resolution, stating he believes a deal could come “relatively quickly” and that Putin would like to see a “solution” .
🔍 The Meaning of “Some People”
Trump did not clarify who “some people” refers to, but his remarks are consistent with a long-running narrative that outside forces have prolonged the conflict.
- Potential Targets of the Criticism: While Trump did not name names, the phrase could refer to:
- The Biden Administration: Trump has previously criticized the former administration’s handling of the war.
- European Allies: Trump has often called on European nations to do more to resolve the conflict.
- Internal Hardliners: The phrase “some people made it difficult for him to make a deal” could also refer to unspecified actors within the Russian system, though Trump did not elaborate .
- Putin’s Stated Goals: According to Russian readouts, Putin used the call to reiterate Moscow’s long-standing “war aims,” although he expressed a preference to achieve them through negotiations rather than continued fighting .
⏳ The Status of the Ceasefire
As of now, Putin has not announced a public ceasefire in response to Trump’s suggestion. When asked by a reporter if Putin had made the announcement yet, Trump responded negatively . The Kremlin has only confirmed a willingness to pause for the May 9 holiday, a move similar to a three-day truce last year that failed to hold .
Trump has stated that he believes the situation in Ukraine is at a point where a deal is “within reach” .
Follow Reflecto News for continuous updates on U.S.-Russia relations, the Ukraine war, and all breaking news from Washington.