President Trump: Truth Social Post
President Trump announced via his social media platform, Truth Social, that he has just arrived in Rome following a day filled with diplomatic talks and meetings involving representatives from both Russia and Ukraine. In his post, he expressed optimism about the progress made during these discussions, noting that the two nations are “very close to a deal.” He urged that high-level officials from both sides should convene soon to “finish it off,” suggesting that most of the major points of contention have already been resolved.
Trump’s statement emphasized the urgency of halting the ongoing conflict, calling for an immediate end to the bloodshed that has resulted from the war. He also pledged that the United States, under his facilitation, would be present wherever necessary to assist in bringing about a resolution to what he described as a “cruel and senseless war.”
This announcement signals a potential breakthrough in the peace process between Russia and Ukraine, with Trump positioning himself—and the U.S.—as a key mediator. The outcome of these negotiations could have significant implications for regional stability, international relations, and humanitarian relief for those affected by the conflict.
President Trump: Peter Baker
President Trump expressed on social media that no matter what kind of agreement or peace deal he might negotiate regarding the conflict between Russia and Ukraine—even if it were considered the most successful or impressive deal ever achieved—The New York Times, which he refers to as “The Failing New York Times,” would still criticize or speak negatively about it.
He singles out Peter Baker, a journalist for The New York Times, calling him “Liddle’ Peter Baker” and accusing him of being biased and lacking talent. Trump claims that Baker wrote an article (apparently at the behest of his editors) arguing that any peace deal should include Ukraine regaining its lost territory, possibly including Crimea, and that Baker’s demands are “ridiculous.” Trump suggests that Baker and the Times are out of touch or unrealistic in their expectations for what a peace settlement should look like.
President Trump then criticizes Baker for not acknowledging the role of Barack Obama, alleging that it was due to Obama’s actions or inaction that Russia was able to annex Crimea from Ukraine in 2014 without any resistance—“not even a shot being fired.” Trump suggests Baker is biased in favor of Obama, and references a biography Baker wrote about Obama, describing it as sycophantic (“fawning”) and poorly written—a “joke.” Trump claims that Baker never criticized Obama for “giving away” Crimea, but only ever criticizes Trump, even though Trump says he had “nothing to do with this stupid war” between Russia and Ukraine.
President Trump further contrasts his administration’s policy with Obama’s, saying that he provided Ukraine with Javelin anti-tank missiles, while Obama only sent humanitarian aid such as sheets. He frames the current Russia-Ukraine conflict as “Sleepy Joe Biden’s War”—implying that the responsibility for the ongoing war lies with President Biden and his administration, not with Trump. Trump characterizes the war as a disaster that should never have started, and claims that had he been president at the time, it would not have begun.
He goes on to say that he’s only trying to “clean up the mess” left behind by Obama and Biden, suggesting that he inherited a difficult situation and is working to resolve it.
Despite all his criticisms, President Trump also condemns recent Russian missile attacks on Ukrainian civilian areas, cities, and towns, saying there’s no justification for those actions. He speculates that perhaps Vladimir Putin is not actually interested in ending the war, but is instead stalling or stringing Trump along. Trump concludes by suggesting that Putin may need to be confronted with stronger measures, such as stricter “banking” or “secondary sanctions” (measures targeting entities doing business with Russia), and laments the high human cost of the ongoing conflict, stating, “Too many people are dying!!!”
