In a striking press conference held on April 14, 2025, at the White House, former President Donald Trump placed the blame for the ongoing war in Ukraine squarely on three key figures: Russian President Vladimir Putin, ex-U.S. President Joe Biden, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Trump’s comments come as the conflict continues to devastate Ukraine, with reports indicating that the nation has lost around 25 percent of its territory since the war began.
Trump asserted that during his presidency, Putin would not have initiated such a conflict. He emphasized that Biden had the opportunity to prevent the war by lowering oil prices but failed to act. "This was Biden’s war, and I’m trying to stop it. I believe we can do a good job at it," Trump stated, expressing hope for a resolution soon.
During the press conference, Trump stated, "Millions have died because of these three people." He reiterated that the war should never have started, identifying Biden and Zelensky as capable of halting it before it escalated. "Putin shouldn’t have started it," he added, underscoring a sense of shared responsibility among the leaders.
Earlier that day, Trump had made similar remarks, attributing the war's inception primarily to Biden and Zelensky. He described the initiation of the conflict as a significant mistake, both militarily and politically. "The mistake was allowing the war to start," Trump explained. He pointed out the tragic consequences, emphasizing the human cost of the conflict.
Trump’s comments come amidst ongoing discussions about potential ceasefires and diplomatic negotiations. He indicated that the U.S. has set a psychological deadline for Russia regarding a ceasefire, although he did not specify when that deadline would be. Previously, he had mentioned the existence of such a deadline, hinting at a sense of urgency in the diplomatic efforts.
During a meeting with El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele, Trump shared insights into the current state of negotiations aimed at ending the war. He noted that the U.S. has made some progress in discussions with both Russia and Ukraine, although he did not provide specific details about those advancements. "I hope good proposals will come soon," he remarked, reflecting optimism about potential outcomes.
Since the onset of the conflict, which escalated dramatically in early 2022, the U.S. has engaged in several rounds of talks with both sides. Trump has held individual meetings with both Putin and Zelensky, and representatives from the three nations have also convened in Saudi Arabia to discuss possible resolutions.
One notable aspect of the negotiations has been the agreement between Russia and Ukraine to refrain from attacking energy infrastructure, a critical component of both countries' economies. However, both parties have accused each other of violating this agreement, highlighting the fragile nature of the ceasefire talks.
Additionally, reports indicate that discussions have taken place regarding the Black Sea, with both the U.S. and Ukraine confirming a mutual understanding. Russia, however, has stated that it would only agree to the terms if sanctions on agricultural exporters are lifted and if Rosselkhozbank is connected to the SWIFT banking system.
As the conflict continues, the international community watches closely, hoping for a resolution that could bring an end to the suffering endured by millions. Trump’s statements reflect a broader sentiment among many who believe that decisive leadership and diplomatic engagement are crucial in navigating the complexities of the ongoing war.
In summary, the former president's recent remarks underscore a critical moment in U.S. foreign policy regarding Ukraine, as he positions himself as a potential mediator in a conflict that has drawn global attention and concern. The implications of his statements and the ongoing negotiations could shape the future of U.S.-Russia relations and the stability of Eastern Europe.
