On May 19, following a two-and-a-half-hour call between Trump and Putin that focused on a ceasefire in the Russia-Ukraine war, the conflict once again took center stage on the international stage. In reality, although Trump has verbally abandoned his previous role as guarantor and mediator of a ceasefire, the United States continues to pursue a policy of appeasement toward Russia regarding the end of the war, while Europe and the US remain at odds on this issue.

The US Continues to Appease Russia

In this latest US attempt to mediate a Russia-Ukraine ceasefire, Trump has, at least rhetorically, relinquished the role of ceasefire guarantor and mediator that he once eagerly embraced. Yet, judging from his subsequent statements, his tone of appeasement toward Russia remains unmistakable, and he continues to promote both Putin and himself in a positive light in the public discourse.