Donald Trump brushes off Russia-Ukraine ceasefire talks, factors to harsh choice if wanted

U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday (September 18, 2025) stated it was not but time to name for a ceasefire within the Russia-Ukraine battle, signalling he might push for a harder strategy “on the proper time.”

Reporters requested U.S. President aboard Air Force One if a ceasefire was due, given it had been a month since his assembly with Russian President Vladimir Putin. “Doesn’t really feel prefer it,” Mr. Trump replied. “But on the proper time, if I’ve to do it, it’ll be harsh.”

The comment mirrored each warning and a touch of escalation. Mr. Trump has beforehand described his conferences with Mr. Putin as productive however has additionally criticised NATO allies for buying Russian oil whereas urging the U.S. to bear the burden of defence.

He reiterated that European states should reduce their reliance on Moscow. “We’re alleged to do all these items they usually’re shopping for oil from Russia. That’s not good,” Mr. Trump stated, recounting his dialogue with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. “He stated that’s not good. I imply, I appreciated that he stated that.”

Mr. Trump acknowledged that London had pledged to impose sanctions, although he harassed that Washington was nonetheless weighing its subsequent strikes. “He stated he would do sanctions, sure,” Mr. Trump famous. “And he’s not one of many culprits by way of the oil.”

The President has constantly offered himself as a hardliner on vitality dependence, calling Europe’s reliance on Russian oil a strategic legal responsibility. “How about that? We’re alleged to do all these items they usually’re shopping for oil from Russia,” he stated.

Pressed on the timing of peace talks, Mr. Trump left the door open however insisted circumstances weren’t but proper. “Doesn’t really feel prefer it,” he stated of a ceasefire. “At the precise time … it’ll be harsh.”

This article is revealed in an association with 5WH.