US President Donald Trump has once again expressed concern over Russia’s “horrific” missile strike on central Sumy, Ukraine, but his reaction is sparking debate among experts. Trump characterized the attack as a double-tap missile strike that allegedly used cluster munitions to maximize casualties.
The strike in Sumy, a city in Ukraine’s immediate crosshairs, is seen by many as a deliberate attempt to terrorize Ukrainians into submission. However, Trump’s response suggests a lack of urgency, with the President stating that Russia had to “get moving” but providing no deadlines or explicit consequences if it did not.
Trump’s remarks on Ukraine’s war effort have been inconsistent, with him previously expressing broader grief at the tragedy of war in general rather than fury at the Kremlin’s specific massacres. This has led some to question his commitment to holding Russia accountable for its actions.
The US administration’s diplomatic efforts with Russia and Ukraine are facing challenges due to Trump’s approach. The President’s foreign envoy, Steve Witkoff, is intermittently flying to Russia to hear demands from the Kremlin, while higher-level diplomats meet in Saudi Arabia to propose ceasefire ideas and a wider detente.
However, these talks have yet to produce concrete results, with many experts criticizing the lack of clear deadlines or consequences for Russia. The US administration’s reliance on secondary tariffs on Russian oil purchasers has been criticized as insufficient.
The situation is complicated by the fact that Trump believes Putin seeks time because he thinks the President is easily distracted and interested in an easy win rather than a complex compromise. Putin also believes this summer will be a critical period for a tangible victory on the front lines.
As concerns grow about Russia’s amassing reinforcements, waiting for the ground to dry in May to escalate a spring offensive, Ukraine is facing an artillery ammunition shortage. The situation is set to become even more challenging for Ukraine this summer.
Experts warn that Moscow has invested all in a war it cannot afford to lose, and the momentum is increasingly in its favor. The European allies of Russia are preparing for two potential futures: one where Ukraine collapses, requiring NATO’s members to hold back the Russians without American assistance, or another where Britain and France spearhead preparations for a “reassurance force” to protect any ceasefire.
With each rotation of diplomatic talks, the terms of actual peace become more complex. Putin seems unwilling to offer even a partial pause as he believes Trump is toothless and will not punish him effectively for refusing a détente.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/04/14/europe/ukraine-sumy-trump-russia-intl/index.html