Politico: Trump’s "two weeks" delay reflects deeper interest in Russia reset

US President Donald Trump appears more focused on a potential reset with Russia than on pressuring Vladimir Putin to end the war in Ukraine, a European source suggests. 

Asked on May 28 whether he believes Putin genuinely wants peace, the US president again deferred, saying, “I’ll let you know in about two weeks.” It was the latest in a string of similar promises stretching back more than two months, as Trump delays confronting the fact that his campaign vow to swiftly end the war remains unfulfilled, Caliber.Az reports citing Politico.

Behind Trump’s indecision lies a strategic calculus, sources say: a desire to preserve the possibility of future deals with Putin. 

“It’s very clear there is something holding him back from actually putting more pressure on Putin,” said one European official granted anonymity because they are not authorised to speak publicly. “He may want the reset with Russia most of all, more than peace. If he just wants to get the war ended so he can do these deals [with Putin], then he may be weighing the cost of poisoning their potential relationship.”

Despite repeated attempts to coax Moscow into talks — including social media posts and promises of favourable negotiations — Trump has had little success. His approach has stood in stark contrast to his harder line on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Politico writes.

Trump has also resisted supporting a bipartisan Senate push for secondary sanctions against Russia, reportedly concerned that such measures might not bring Putin to the table and could damage future diplomatic opportunities.

For now, the president continues to insist that clarity is just around the corner — even as his “two weeks” timeline grows increasingly symbolic of a strategy rooted more in delay than decision.

By Sabina Mammadli