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Putin Plays Hardball, Testing Trump’s Patience and Derailing Peace Talks, Politico Reports
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![Photo of Ivan Khomenko]( "Photo of Ivan Khomenko")
Russian leader Vladimir Putin’s persistent hardline stance in negotiations has periodically irritated US President Donald Trump and complicated efforts to broker a peace deal in Ukraine, according to Politico.
Despite ongoing military losses, internal economic pressure, and fuel shortages linked to Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian oil refineries, Politico reports that Putin remains unwavering in his “maximalist demands.”
His approach has raised concerns within the Trump administration about the Kremlin’s motives and its use of negotiations to extract strategic advantage.
According to Politico, Trump has occasionally expressed frustration that Putin’s obstinacy may be part of a broader effort to manipulate the diplomatic process.
During private discussions following a summit in Alaska, Trump reportedly told French President Emmanuel Macron that he believed Putin preferred to strike a deal directly with him. “I think he wants to make a deal with me. You get that? As crazy as it sounds,” Trump reportedly said, as cited by Politico.
The publication also notes that Putin is adept at selecting politically opportune moments for outreach. One such example was a two-hour phone call initiated by the Kremlin just as Trump was reportedly open to the possibility of supplying Ukraine with Tomahawk cruise missiles.
The report suggests that prolonging the war may serve Moscow’s strategic interests. As Politico outlines, continued hostilities place additional financial strain on European nations, risk undermining transatlantic unity, and divert Western focus from other global challenges — including China’s potential actions regarding Taiwan.
Politico further cites unnamed sources who suggest that even members of Trump’s inner circle, including former First Lady Melania Trump, have voiced concerns that Putin may be manipulating the American president.
Earlier, on December 29, The Moscow Times reported that Vladimir Putin ordered new offensives toward Zaporizhzhia and the expansion of a “security zone” in northern Ukraine—just days after President Trump claimed Russia was interested in peace.
