Putin Tests Trump's Patience at Ceasefire Talks, — The Hill.

U.S. President Donald Trump is expressing increasing frustration with Vladimir Putin's actions, whose tough demands in negotiations with Ukraine have been stalling the process of reaching a ceasefire. This frustration undermines Trump's hopes for a quick end to the war, which has been ongoing for over two years.

According to The Hill, Russia's demands for a change of leadership in Ukraine have provoked rare public criticism from Trump, who is even threatening to impose sanctions on Russian oil exports if Moscow does not show more flexibility in negotiations with Kyiv.

The Hill's foreign policy reporter, Laura Kelly, reported that the Ukrainian side supported U.S. proposals for an unconditional 30-day ceasefire, cessation of attacks on energy infrastructure, and limiting military activities in the Black Sea. At the same Time, Russian negotiators at a meeting in Saudi Arabia last week put forth demands from the U.S., including assistance in lifting sanctions on Russian banks and support for Russian fertilizers and agricultural products in the global market.

Despite the Trump administration prioritizing improved relations with Russia, many Republicans remain supporters of Ukraine and doubt the chances of reaching an acceptable deal with Putin. 'I highly doubt that Russia will agree to a ceasefire and the end of this war,' said Senator Lindsey Graham, a staunch Trump supporter, in his post on the X platform on March 12.

Experts believe that the most effective means of pressure on Putin remains the situation on the battlefield. The head of the Russia team at the Institute for the Study of War, George Barros, noted: 'Russian reserves are gradually being depleted due to the protracted war.' Military expert Hamish de Bretton-Gordon emphasizes that Trump has lost patience with Putin, which stands in stark contrast to 2015 when he referred to the Russian leader as 'strong.' According to the expert, such a shift in the American president's position could benefit Ukraine.