'Playing like Putin': Ukrainan expert comments on Trump's real role in Russia's war against Ukraine

"First of all, we need to read Trump’s comments very carefully," Klochok noted. "Trump is not withdrawing from the negotiations. We must understand this because there are a lot of hype-driven headlines. Trump says — no, he’s not going anywhere. And he’s not planning to withdraw."

According to the expert, even if both chambers of Congress vote in favor of sanctions, the final decision rests with Trump. He may choose not to sign the corresponding document, but that would carry political consequences.

The expert also reminded that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, ahead of the phone call between President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, stated that the United States had informed Russia it cannot fully control the sanctions process.

He noted that although Trump holds significant influence over Republicans in Congress, not all of them support his approach. Some members consistently advocate for strong sanctions against Moscow due to its refusal to agree to a ceasefire. In this context, the expert mentioned US Senator Lindsey Graham’s visit to Istanbul, which he described as a "de facto threat" to Russia.

"Trump is playing the same game as Putin," he said. "We are well aware that Putin is leading Trump by the nose, and Trump is doing the same with Putin. If anyone thinks otherwise, I hate to disappoint you."

According to the expert, if Trump truly wanted to, he could have already withdrawn from the negotiations — there are no formal decisions from Congress mandating his mediation. It is entirely his own initiative, which is not being criticized in the US and is generally supported.

He sees Trump’s remarks about a possible withdrawal from the talks as a signal to the European Union: "This is really a message to Europe, which is sitting and waiting — what will Trump do?"

At the same time, he stressed that while the EU remains focused on Trump’s actions, the real question is: what has Europe itself done to help end the war?

Trump's conversation with Putin

Yesterday, US President Donald Trump had a phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Read more about the Trump-Putin conversation in the material by RBC-Ukraine.

Later, Trump revealed that he had two separate conversations with Zelenskyy — one before calling Putin and another afterward. For more details, read the report by RBC-Ukraine.

Ukraine-Russia talks in Istanbul

On Friday, May 16, the first direct talks in a long time between Russia and Ukraine took place in Istanbul, Türkiye.

According to media reports, during the dialogue, the Russian delegation voiced demands concerning:

• Ukraine's "neutrality";

• rejection of reparations;

• rights of Russian speakers;

• "recognition" of the occupation of Ukrainian territories;

• withdrawal of the Armed Forces of Ukraine from several regions for an immediate ceasefire.