‘He’s not a politician, he’s a showman’: Trump’s first 100 days strain U.S.-Ukraine relations and embolden Russia as war continues

WARSAW, April 21 — Donald Trump had vowed to broker a ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia within 24 hours of reclaiming the White House.

Three months into his presidency, however, the war rages on. Despite a brief Easter truce declared by Russian President Vladimir Putin, hopes for a lasting ceasefire seem increasingly distant.

So far, Trump has failed to secure any significant concessions from Moscow, even after several rounds of talks between U.S. and Russian officials. He has also publicly lashed out at Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, labeling him a “dictator.”

At the same time, Trump’s efforts to strengthen ties with Putin have strained relations with Kyiv and created new tensions between Washington and its European allies. In Russia, many are celebrating the possibility of warmer U.S.-Russia relations, while in Ukraine, optimism about long-term peace is quickly fading.

“Nothing’s really happening. People still hear sirens, see bombs, and lives are being lost every day,” said Tymofiy Mylovanov, head of the Kyiv School of Economics. “Putin is essentially playing everyone.”

Since Trump’s January inauguration, U.S. officials have conducted multiple talks with both Ukrainian and Russian representatives in pursuit of a ceasefire. But Russian attacks have continued unabated, with missile strikes in recent weeks killing dozens across Ukraine.

Ukraine’s forces have also lost ground, particularly in Russia’s western Kursk region — once their key bargaining chip. In Sumy, a city near the Russian border, resident Anna Klyshkina described worsening conditions. “So far, there’s been no improvement. Things have only gotten worse,” said the 29-year-old photographer.

On Sunday, two Russian ballistic missiles struck Sumy, killing 35 people and injuring more than 100 — one of the deadliest attacks in recent months.

‘He’s a showman’

Despite Trump’s push, there’s been little real progress toward a truce. A joint U.S.-Ukraine proposal for a full, unconditional ceasefire was rejected by Putin in March. Both sides tentatively agreed to stop targeting energy infrastructure, but the informal deal collapsed quickly amid mutual accusations of violations. Russia declared the arrangement “expired” last Friday.

On the ground, Russian forces continue their slow but steady advance in eastern Ukraine. They have nearly driven Ukrainian troops out of the Kursk region and have made gains in northeastern Sumy.

Oleksandr, a 22-year-old Ukrainian soldier on a break in Sumy, said his opinion of Trump has always been negative — and nothing has changed.

“He’s not a politician, he’s a showman,” he said.

In March, Trump temporarily halted military aid to Ukraine, a stark contrast to Joe Biden’s pledge to support Ukraine “as long as it takes.” The move was a significant blow to Kyiv.

Trump has also repeated Russian narratives, at one point falsely claiming that Zelensky had only a “four per cent approval rating” and calling for new elections in Ukraine.

Tensions between Trump and Zelensky peaked in February during a televised Oval Office meeting, where Trump accused the Ukrainian leader of being “disrespectful,” leaving U.S. allies stunned.

Even in the wake of the devastating Sumy attack, Trump doubled down on his criticism of Zelensky and Ukraine. “You don’t start a war with someone 20 times your size,” he said — despite the fact that Russia launched the invasion in February 2022.

‘What is missing is peace’

While Trump has also criticized Russia, ordering it to “get moving” on peace efforts and expressing frustration with Putin in a recent interview, his tone has noticeably softened.

In March, the Kremlin said Trump’s foreign policy stance largely aligned with its own after the U.S. sided with Russia twice in United Nations votes.

In the small Russian town of Vereya, some residents see renewed hope. Alisa, a 20-year-old waitress, said she was optimistic about improved ties.

“I heard on the news that Putin and Trump had successful talks. I think we’ll do well because of that,” she said. “What’s missing is peace.”

But others remain cautious. Elena Solodkaya, 37, was more skeptical.

“You shouldn’t put your faith in politicians,” she said. “Not even in Trump.” — AFP