In Sharp Change, Trump Calls Putin "the More Difficult Partner" In Ukraine Talks

It might signify something - or nothing - but in a press conference at the end of what is being called a surprisingly successful NATO summit, President Trump, for the first time indicated his frustration with Putin's intransigence in negotiations seeking a ceasefire that could lead to peace from Russia's invasion of Ukraine. 

Trump, in the past, has been a harsh critic of NATO. But the European members launched a charm offensive aimed at Trump, which appears to be working, even as they redouble their support for Ukraine versus Russia. That complements the efforts Ukraine's Zelensky has made at mollifying and winning Trump over. What this all signifies now remains to be seen, but it is certainly better than the alternative. JL 

Alexander Ward reports in the Wall Street Journal:

President Trump said his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin was the “more difficult” leader to convince of ending the war in Ukraine. Vladimir Putin has been more difficult,” Trump said at the end of the NATO summit. “Vladimir Putin really has to end that war.” It was a sharp turnaround for Trump, who previously labeled Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as being more culpable for the war. Trump punctuated his criticism of Putin with praise for Zelensky. “He’s fighting a brave battle. It’s a tough battle.” 

President Trump said his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin was the “more difficult” leader to convince of ending the war in Ukraine, during a press conference Wednesday in which he also voiced support for NATO, an organization he has long attacked.

“It’s more difficult than people would have any idea. Vladimir Putin has been more difficult,” Trump said at the end of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization summit here. “Vladimir Putin really has to end that war.”

Trump added that he was going to speak with Putin to “see if we can get it ended” but didn’t provide a date for the conversation.

It was a sharp turnaround for Trump, who previously labeled Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as being more culpable for the war. Trump punctuated his criticism of Putin with praise for Zelensky. “He’s fighting a brave battle. It’s a tough battle,” Trump said.

The remarks were part of a lengthy press conference that ranged from the Israel-Iran cease-fire to Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell’s tenure. But Trump’s comments about Putin—and his newfound respect for NATO—raised the possibility of a new tone from the Trump administration on the alliance and the war in Ukraine.

Trump, after meeting with Zelensky on the sidelines of the summit, said in the press conference the U.S. would look to provide more Patriot air-defense missiles for Ukraine. He also didn’t rule out sending more money to Ukraine for its security, which would add to the $35 billion in additional assistance that NATO allies are providing.

Responding to a Ukrainian reporter who said her husband was fighting against Russia in the country, Trump seemed affected: “I wish you a lot of luck. I mean, I can see it’s very upsetting to you. Say hello to your husband. OK?”

Trump also seemed to transform before the world into a pro-NATO leader after spending years bashing the alliance as obsolete and a shakedown harming the U.S.

“I came here because it was something I’m supposed to be doing, but I left here a little bit different,” Trump said, describing a scene of allied leaders speaking proudly of their nations and their reliance on the U.S. “They want to protect their country, and they need the United States. And without the United States, it’s not going to be the same.”

“It’s not a rip-off,” Trump said of NATO, reversing his broadside against the military group from his 2016 presidential campaign. 

“They’re ripping off the United States. And you know what we do? Nothing,” he said at the time.