WARSAW, Poland — Three months into Donald Trump’s return to the White House, his promise to broker a ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia “within 24 hours” remains unfulfilled. Despite a brief Easter truce declared by Russian President Vladimir Putin, the war continues unabated, with little sign of lasting peace.
The Trump administration has so far failed to secure any major concessions from Moscow. In contrast, Trump has drawn backlash for alienating Kyiv, cooling ties with European allies, and labeling Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky a “dictator.”
U.S.-Russia talks have occurred behind closed doors, but tangible outcomes are lacking. Russia has intensified missile strikes across Ukraine, with one recent attack on Sumy killing 35 and wounding over 100. Ukraine, meanwhile, has lost its grip on key positions in Russia’s Kursk region and is under growing pressure in the northeastern frontier.
Trump’s foreign policy pivot — including briefly cutting military aid to Ukraine in March — has only deepened Kyiv’s concerns. On the ground, frustration is mounting.
“Nothing is happening. In real terms, people hear sirens every day, see bombs, and people get killed,” said Tymofiy Mylovanov of the Kyiv School of Economics.
Meanwhile, Russian residents express cautious optimism, pointing to improved relations with the U.S. under Trump. “What is missing is peace,” said a young waitress in Vereya. But others remain skeptical, unwilling to place hope in political promises.
Despite sporadic ceasefire discussions, progress remains elusive, and with Moscow continuing its offensive, peace seems further away than ever.