Ongoing Ukraine Conflict Contrasts with Trump’s Peace Promises

WASHINGTON (Gray DC) – The conflict in Ukraine has endured for more than four and a half years, with active hostilities continuing despite President Donald Trump’s multiple attempts to address the situation. Throughout his campaign, Trump made commitments to bring about an end to the war.

During a rally on July 7, 2023, in Council Bluffs, Iowa, Trump stated, “Before I even arrive at the Oval Office shortly after I win the presidency, I will have the horrible war between Russia and Ukraine settled.” He emphasized his focus on stopping the loss of life, saying, “The side — I want people to stop dying. That’s the side I’m on.” However, these promises have yet to materialize. Trump has met twice with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House and once with Russian President Vladimir Putin in August 2025 in Anchorage, Alaska, describing their meeting as productive yet incomplete.

On September 18, Trump endorsed bipartisan legislation named for the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, which implements sanctions and tariffs against Russia. However, on October 16, he signed an executive order to waive those sanctions.