Media: Trump’s Ukraine peace drive built on illusions, not strategy

In a recent article, The Washington Post highlights that US President Donald Trump wants to end the war in Ukraine — and fast. With bold declarations and big promises, he’s launched a high-profile peace initiative. But behind the headlines lies a shaky foundation. Trump’s push is built on three dangerous illusions: that Putin wants peace, that Russia offers boundless economic potential, and that Ukraine can be pressured into surrender. Without a clearer, more disciplined strategy, this peace plan may collapse before it even begins.

“Let the process begin!” declared President Trump following a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The conversation marked the launch of a renewed US-backed peace initiative aimed at ending the war between Russia and Ukraine. Pope Leo XIV has offered to host the negotiations at the Vatican.

Despite the optimism, significant challenges remain. Putin refused to agree to a ceasefire, and Trump appeared to defer to him, stating, “the conditions for that [ceasefire] will be negotiated between the two parties, as it only can be, because they know details.”

Critics warn this signals a lack of structure in Trump’s approach. The administration has already cycled through several strategies—from localized ceasefires to face-to-face talks—which have so far yielded little. Now, Trump appears to be leaving the outcome in the hands of the warring sides.

The first major hurdle: Putin still seeks victory, not peace. He insists Russia must “eliminate the root causes of the crisis,” widely interpreted as denying Ukraine’s sovereign right to integrate with Europe.

Trump also clings to the idea that postwar Russia offers vast economic promise. On Monday, he asserted, “There is a tremendous opportunity for Russia to create massive amounts of jobs and wealth... Its potential is UNLIMITED.” But experts say Russia’s economy remains deeply flawed and declining.

Meanwhile, Ukraine's resilience has surprised many. Backed by strong European support, it has developed a defense-tech sector in wartime and remains committed to sovereignty. Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz pledged to boost defense spending, aiming to build “the strongest conventional army in Europe.”

Trump, who calls the war a “bloodbath,” wants peace—but unless he shifts from improvisation to disciplined diplomacy, analysts fear his efforts could falter, leaving Ukraine to continue its fight alone.

By Naila Huseynova