Trump disappointed in Putin? Sanctions on Russia coming soon?

Trump’s associates, senators, and congressmen in the Republican Party are taking an even tougher stance. Lindsey Graham is urging Russians to revolt, Rubio is threatening more sanctions, and Bessent is calling Putin a war criminal. But behind all this talk lies a key question: what real actions can American politics be expected to take, especially regarding support for Ukraine and pressure on Russia?

Trump hasn’t changed and never will. He admires dictators, thinks mostly in terms of money, and his political style is stuck in the 19th century, focused on spheres of influence and colonial redistribution. And, quite frankly, Donald Trump is an idiot.

It’s also important to note that despite his outward confidence, Trump is easily influenced. Hearing certain ideas repeatedly can make him adopt them over time.

Trump genuinely believed he could quickly reach an understanding with the Russian dictator, whom he saw as a “kindred spirit”—a fellow “genius” who shared his mindset for striking grand deals. In this view, leaders like Zelenskyy or those in Europe appeared weak and easily pressured. His plan (naive and foolish, to be blunt) was to strike an economic agreement with Moscow, form a joint front against China, and pressure Ukraine into surrendering.

But this vision collapsed under the weight of reality. Putin couldn’t afford to align with the U.S. against China without first regaining access to the European energy market — an impossible goal under current conditions. Ukraine, meanwhile, proved far more resilient than expected. More importantly, for Putin, ending the war now presents serious risks to his regime. A withdrawal would trigger challenges like restarting the economy, reintegrating thousands of fighters from the "special military operation," and managing the growing influence of regional and oligarchic power centers. All of this makes peace a dangerous option for the Kremlin, especially while the illusion of a "decisive" victory still lingers.

Despite the clear failure of his original plan, Trump finds it difficult to let go of the idea of a personal bond with Putin. Yet his recent behavior is starting to carry real political costs in the U.S.

An increasing number of Americans, including many Republican voters, see his stance on Russia as a sign of weakness. This perception is turning into a political liability for both Trump and his party, fueling a demand for a tougher approach.

The push to pressure Russia isn't driven by moral or altruistic motives — it’s about avoiding the appearance of weakness. That’s why new sanctions and hardline initiatives are beginning to surface.

In this context, Ukrainian and European diplomatic efforts focused on consistently exposing Putin’s unreliability and inability to negotiate are beginning to show results, albeit gradually.

While Putin tries to project the image of an unpredictable strategist (without truly being one), Trump is the real wild card. He thrives on chaos, driven by ego rather than strategy. His personal frustration and wounded pride over Putin’s lack of response to his overtures now work to Ukraine’s advantage.

Additional sanctions against Russia now seem increasingly likely — although not immediately, but within weeks or months. They could be triggered by growing pressure from Trump’s inner circle and his own sense of betrayal. Meanwhile, the myth of Russia’s invincibility is steadily eroding. Statements from figures like Medvedev are sounding less like strength and more like signs of insecurity.

So, despite the erratic and often contradictory statements coming from Trump, the broader trend suggests a slow but steady shift toward a more pragmatic and tougher stance on Russia. Key figures around him are beginning to recognize just how toxic the previous approach has become. While there may still be occasional talk of negotiations, memoranda, or even gestures toward Putin, the overall direction is increasingly unfavorable for the Kremlin.

In this complex game of influence over Ukraine, it’s crucial to stay focused, keep a clear head, and remain committed to the chosen course.

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About the author. Yuriy Bohdanov, publicist, expert in strategic communications in the field of business, public administration, and politics

The editorial team does not always share the opinions expressed by blog or column authors.