Your query seems to draw on the narrative of Donald Trump, often self-styled as the “king of the deal,” facing challenges in negotiations with Vladimir Putin over the Russia-Ukraine war. Based on recent developments and the provided search results, here’s an analysis of Trump’s efforts to broker a peace deal, his interactions with Putin, and whether this constitutes a “great defeat” due to deception by Putin.
Background on Trump’s Ukraine Policy
Donald Trump, during his 2024 campaign and early second term, repeatedly claimed he could end the Russia-Ukraine war swiftly, even within “24 hours,” leveraging his deal-making skills and personal rapport with Putin. However, as of July 29, 2025, the war persists, with Russian forces advancing and no comprehensive peace deal achieved, leading to perceptions of a setback for Trump’s ambitions. The notion of Trump as the “king of the deal” being “deceived” by Putin stems from reports of Putin’s apparent lack of good-faith engagement in ceasefire talks, despite Trump’s diplomatic efforts.
Trump’s Efforts and Putin’s Response
- Initial Optimism and Diplomacy:
- Trump’s approach began with optimism, emphasizing his ability to negotiate with Putin. He held multiple phone calls with Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, proposing ceasefire talks and even a potential meeting in Saudi Arabia.
- In May 2025, Trump announced that Russia and Ukraine would start immediate ceasefire negotiations, but the Kremlin clarified that no specific timeline was agreed upon, indicating Putin’s reluctance to commit.
- Trump’s strategy included coercive diplomacy, such as threatening 100% tariffs on Russian goods and secondary tariffs on countries trading with Russia if no peace deal was reached within a 50-day deadline set on July 14, 2025.
- Escalation and Frustration:
- By July 2025, Trump grew visibly frustrated with Putin’s actions, particularly as Russian drone and missile attacks intensified on Ukrainian cities, contradicting the positive tone of their conversations. He noted, “My conversations with him are always very pleasant. And then the missiles go off that night.”
- On July 28, 2025, Trump shortened the 50-day deadline to 10-12 days, citing a lack of progress and expressing disappointment in Putin. He threatened sanctions and tariffs, stating, “I’m disappointed in President Putin,” and lamented Russia’s focus on war over economic prosperity.
- Reports suggest Melania Trump pointed out Putin’s false promises, highlighting instances where Russian attacks followed seemingly productive talks.
- Putin’s Strategy:
- Sources close to the Kremlin indicate Putin remains unfazed by Trump’s threats, believing Russia’s economy and military can withstand Western pressure. He prioritizes maximalist war aims, including territorial gains and Ukrainian neutrality, over a quick ceasefire.
- Putin’s actions, such as agreeing to a limited 30-day pause on attacks against Ukraine’s energy infrastructure while continuing broader military operations, suggest a tactic of stringing Trump along to buy time for battlefield advances.
- Russian officials and analysts view Trump’s deadlines as emotional and susceptible to manipulation, with Putin confident in outlasting Western support for Ukraine.
Was Trump “Deceived” by Putin?
The idea of Putin deceiving Trump hinges on the contrast between their reportedly cordial talks and Russia’s continued aggression. Several points support this narrative:
- Broken Promises: Trump expressed frustration that Putin’s actions—such as missile strikes on Kyiv after positive discussions—undermined ceasefire prospects. He noted specific instances where he believed a ceasefire was close, only for Russia to escalate attacks.
- Strategic Missteps: A former Kremlin official called Putin’s bombardments after talks with Trump a “strategic mistake,” suggesting Putin misread Trump’s response but still prioritized territorial gains over diplomacy.
- Limited Concessions: Putin’s agreement to a narrow ceasefire on energy infrastructure, while rejecting broader truces, indicates a tactic to placate Trump without altering Russia’s core objectives.
However, whether this constitutes deception is nuanced:
- Trump’s Awareness: Trump’s public statements, such as calling Putin’s promises “bullsh*t” and expressing disappointment, suggest he recognizes Putin’s lack of sincerity.
- Coercive Diplomacy: Trump’s threats of tariffs and sanctions, along with resuming arms supplies to Ukraine (e.g., Patriot missiles via NATO allies), indicate he’s adapting to Putin’s intransigence, shifting from reliance on personal rapport to economic and military pressure.
- Mixed Signals: While Trump initially appeared sympathetic to Russia, criticizing Zelenskyy and pausing U.S. aid, his recent pivot to arming Ukraine and condemning Putin shows a recalibration, possibly reducing the extent to which he was “deceived.”
A “Great Defeat” for the “King of the Deal”?
Labeling Trump’s efforts as a “great defeat” may be an overstatement, but they have not yielded the swift resolution he promised:
- Unfulfilled Promises: Trump’s campaign pledge to end the war in 24 hours or within his first 100 days has not materialized, with the conflict ongoing after six months of his second term.
- Reputational Risk: Trump’s self-image as a master negotiator, or “king of the deal,” is challenged by Putin’s refusal to compromise, especially as Trump tied his Nobel Peace Prize aspirations to resolving the war.
- Partial Successes: Despite setbacks, Trump secured a deal for NATO allies to purchase and transfer advanced weapons to Ukraine, bolstering Kyiv’s defenses. Ukrainian officials, like Andriy Yermak, praised Trump’s “peace through strength” stance, suggesting some diplomatic leverage.
- Ongoing Process: Trump’s insistence that he’s “not done with Putin” and his continued push for negotiations indicate the situation is fluid, not a definitive defeat.
Sentiment on X
Posts on X reflect mixed sentiments:
- Some users view Trump’s frustration as evidence of Putin’s manipulation, with one claiming Trump “failed, repeatedly, with Putin” and is now leaning into supporting Ukraine.
- Others express skepticism, arguing Trump’s alignment with Putin undermines Ukraine, though his recent actions (e.g., pushing for long-range weapons) surprised some.
- Positive takes credit Trump for shifting aid burdens to NATO allies, framing it as a strategic move Biden couldn’t achieve.
These posts are inconclusive but highlight polarized views on Trump’s effectiveness and intentions.
Conclusion
Trump’s efforts to broker peace in Ukraine have been stymied by Putin’s focus on military gains over diplomacy, with Russian escalations undermining Trump’s expectations of a quick deal. While Putin’s actions suggest a degree of deception—promising peace in talks while intensifying attacks—Trump’s recognition of this and his shift toward arming Ukraine and threatening sanctions show he’s not entirely outmaneuvered. The “great defeat” narrative overstates the situation, as Trump has achieved some diplomatic wins, like NATO arms deals, and continues to pressure Russia. However, his inability to secure a ceasefire challenges his “king of the deal” persona, especially given his high-profile promises.
If you meant “Pany” to refer to Trump (possibly a typo) or another figure in this context, or if you want a deeper dive into specific aspects (e.g., Putin’s motives, Trump’s tariffs, or Zelenskyy’s role), please clarify. I can also search X or the web for more recent updates or generate a chart visualizing Russian advances or aid deliveries if you provide specific data preferences.