Overview

• President Trump compared the Russia-Ukraine conflict to two children fighting in a park, suggesting they may resist intervention until their struggle runs its course.
• He told President Putin that sustained suffering on both sides might be necessary to bring leaders back to the negotiating table.
• Trump recounted that Putin warned of retaliatory strikes in response to recent Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian military targets.
• The president hinted that the United States could impose tough measures on both Russia and Ukraine, emphasizing “it takes two to tango.”
• Trump’s tone toward Putin has softened since calling him “absolutely crazy,” while he continues to criticize President Zelenskyy’s leadership.