After Gaza, Trump turns to Ukraine — but peace with Putin may prove his toughest challenge yet

After celebrating what he calls a breakthrough in Gaza, US President Donald Trump is now shifting his attention to Ukraine, vowing to secure “peace with Putin.” But despite his confidence, analysts say resolving Russia’s four-year invasion may be his most elusive diplomatic test yet.

Trump, during a recent speech at Israel’s Knesset, said his next mission was ending the war in Ukraine — a task now led by his special envoy, Steve Witkoff. The US president described peace in Ukraine as his “next priority,” expressing optimism that it might come easier than brokering calm in the Middle East.

But the reality on the ground suggests otherwise. Ukraine’s conflict, unlike the war in Gaza, pits the United States against one of its most entrenched rivals — Russia — whose aggression has redrawn Europe’s securiw

Since taking office, Trump has struggled to find leverage with Russian President Vladimir Putin, despite attempts ranging from sanctions threats to personal diplomacy. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov admitted that talks with Washington are currently on a “serious pause,” even though “contacts through respective channels” continue.

Trump’s early efforts to charm Putin — including several summits and proposals for energy and trade cooperation — have yielded little. Putin, who once left Trump waiting after their Alaska meeting, is seen as relishing the chance to test the US leader’s resolve.

Unlike his dealings with Israel, where Trump could pressure a dependent ally, his options with Moscow are far narrower. “Trump cannot simply announce peace between Russia and Ukraine and leave the details for later,” one European diplomat told CNN. “Putin will only respond to hard power, not persuasion.

One of Trump’s latest ideas involves allowing European allies to buy US-made Tomahawk missiles for Ukraine — a move that could shift the war’s dynamics. The missiles’ long range would allow Kyiv to strike deep inside Russian territory, something Moscow has warned could spark a “dramatic escalation.”

Peskov cautioned on Sunday that “tensions are escalating from all sides,” while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky hinted that Tomahawk deliveries could be close. “We see and hear that Russia is afraid the Americans may give us Tomahawks,” Zelensky said. “That signal means such pressure might work for peace.”

Trump, when asked if he would authorize the weapons, replied: “We’ll see… I may. Do they (Russia) want Tomahawks going in their direction?

Trump’s European partners, while relieved by the Gaza truce, remain skeptical about his approach to Moscow. Officials have criticized Witkoff, the US envoy, for what they describe as a lack of understanding of Kremlin dynamics and an overreliance on personal rapport.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio has been tasked with drafting long-term security guarantees for Ukraine — a plan that remains vague. Meanwhile, Russia’s economy faces mounting pressure from Ukrainian strikes on refineries and gas shortages in several regions.

Analysts warn, however, that Putin’s priorities may extend beyond economics. “Putin’s main concern is his legacy and grip on power, not immediate popularity,” said one Western intelligence official.

For Trump, that means that vague threats or diplomatic gestures are unlikely to deliver peace. “The Kremlin only respects strength,” a senior European official said. “If Trump truly wants another ‘peace win,’ he’ll have to confront Putin with something tangible — not just words.”