Ukraine Conflict: Trump's Peace Pledge Fades After Four Years

More than four-and-a-half years have passed since the war in Ukraine began, and fighting continues.

President Donald Trump promised on the campaign trail that he would settle the conflict before taking office. In a July 2023 rally in Council Bluffs, Iowa, he stated, "Before I even arrive at the Oval Office shortly after I win the presidency, I will have the horrible war between Russia and Ukraine settled."

He added, "Somebody said, are you on Russia's side? Are you on Ukraine's side? You know what? The side. I want people to stop dying. That's the side I'm on."

Since taking office, Trump has met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy twice at the White House. He also met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in August 2025 in Anchorage, Alaska. Trump described that session as productive, noting, "There were many, many points that we agreed on.. A couple of big ones that we haven't quite got there, but we've made some headway. So, there’s no deal until there’s a deal."

Legislative action on the conflict has also seen shifts. On Sept. 18, Trump signed bipartisan legislation named after late Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) that imposed sanctions and tariffs on Russia. Just one month later, on Oct. 16, he signed an executive order waiving those specific sanctions.

The conflict remains active as the administration continues to pursue diplomatic and economic levers to end the war.