“It Takes Two”: Trump Puts Onus on Putin and Zelensky for Peace

Citing the old adage that “it takes two,” US President Donald Trump has placed the responsibility for peace in Ukraine squarely on the shoulders of Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. He has given them a two-week window to demonstrate their commitment to dialogue.
If they fail to make progress, Trump has warned that his administration will make a “very important decision.” This could involve either severe economic punishment for Russia in the form of “massive sanctions” and tariffs, or a US withdrawal from the mediation process altogether.
As the pressure from Washington grows, Vladimir Putin has signaled a potential opening. He publicly commended President Trump, calling him a “light at the end of the tunnel” for the battered relationship between their two countries. This suggests a willingness to engage with Trump’s direct, high-pressure diplomatic style.
However, Putin’s remarks also carried a strong undercurrent of Russian nationalism. He insisted that the nation’s sovereignty is non-negotiable and essential for its very existence. This defiant message complicates the path forward, even as the possibility for a presidential summit is being explored.