“Putin Let Me Down”: Trump Admits Ukraine War Wasn’t As Easy As He Thought

relationship with Putin led to misjudgment; Starmer condemns Russian aggression

What Trump Said at Chequers

• During a joint press conference with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, President Donald Trump expressed disappointment in Russian President Vladimir Putin, saying he thought the Russia‑Ukraine war would be one of the easiest to solve—but that Putin “let him down.”
• He said Russian soldiers are being killed at a higher rate than Ukrainian ones and that while he believed the war could be resolved swiftly, that expectation has proven false.

Starmer & UK’s Response

• Keir Starmer said Putin has shown his “true face” through intensified attacks—describing the latest Russian onslaught as the fiercest since the war began.
• They discussed ways the UK and its allies could ramp up diplomatic and defence pressure to secure a peace deal.

Where Things Stand Now

• Earlier attempts to broker peace—including suggestions for talks between Putin and Zelensky at summits—have not produced a deal.
• Trump also tied his expectations to his past relationship with Putin, saying it influenced his belief that the conflict could be resolved more easily. “Because of my relationship with President Putin,” he said.

Key Takeaways

Trump’s candid admission that Putin “let him down” marks a notable shift in his rhetoric, acknowledging the complex and prolonged nature of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. As global leaders like Starmer push for increased pressure and strategic diplomacy, the world watches closely—hoping for a breakthrough that brings lasting peace.