White House insiders say President Donald Trump is pursuing an aggressive strategy to pressure Vladimir Putin into negotiating a peace deal over Ukraine.
The President’s confidence comes after a significant success in the Middle East, where he helped broker a ceasefire and hostage exchange that strengthened U.S. influence in the region.
Sources describe Trump as “ambitious,” yet highly realistic about the challenges of confronting Putin, a leader experts describe as cunning and ruthless.
“He feels momentum is on his side, but he is extremely frustrated with Putin because he thinks the Russian leader is undermining him on the world stage,” one White House aide said.
Trump has told his team that he is ready to escalate pressure if necessary, signaling a willingness to use aggressive tactics to secure results.
A recent phone call between the President and Putin was described as productive. Both leaders agreed to resume peace talks in Hungary, though no official date has been set.
White House aides say Trump’s plan combines diplomatic pressure, military support to Ukraine, and international isolation of Russia to corner Putin, per the Daily Mail.
The stakes are high. Putin commands a nuclear arsenal, controls Europe’s energy supply, and continues to wage war in Ukraine despite years of international sanctions.
“Putin is a mob boss. Hamas are street thugs,” said Len Khodorkovsky, former deputy assistant secretary of state, highlighting the ruthless approach Trump believes is necessary.
A former senior Biden defense official called Putin a “master manipulator” and warned that he will not engage in genuine negotiations unless faced with serious consequences.
Trump has shifted from a hands-off approach toward a more assertive stance, publicly labeling Russia a “paper tiger” and emphasizing Ukraine’s right to reclaim occupied territories.
Hosting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House is central to Trump’s strategy, signaling strong U.S.-Ukraine relations and backing for Kyiv’s defense.
The President is reportedly considering new arms transfers, including long-range Tomahawk missiles, to strengthen Ukraine’s position and give Putin a strong incentive to negotiate.
Trump’s recent success in Gaza shows the effectiveness of high-pressure tactics, according to former officials. By leveraging diplomatic and military influence, he enforced a ceasefire and secured hostage releases.
Experts caution that Trump’s plan is risky. Russia has vast resources and continues to produce artillery and drones at a high rate. However, Trump aims to create a situation where diplomacy becomes Putin’s only viable option.
The White House says the key lesson from the Middle East success is that strong alliances matter. Trump believes standing shoulder to shoulder with allies strengthens U.S. influence and sends a clear warning to aggressors.
Trump’s “aggressive plot” combines military support, diplomatic pressure, and strategic messaging. It reflects his willingness to act boldly and decisively in pursuit of peace, even against a formidable adversary like Putin.
