According to an Axios story, Trump is growing increasingly frustrated with President Putin. Reportedly, the U.S. President is considering imposing additional sanctions on Russia if Putin does not agree to at least a temporary ceasefire in Ukraine by the end of April.
President Trump's Special Envoy, Steve Witkoff, has traveled to Moscow and is expected to meet with President Putin later today. The two will discuss the prospects for a ceasefire in Ukraine. The American side earlier proposed a 3-day land, sea and air ceasefire, but Russia has made it clear that they will only accept a permanent ceasefire, one that would not allow Ukraine to rearm itself and rebuild its military capabilities, and one that guarantee's Ukraine's neutrality.
U.S. Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, says he has good hopes for a ceasefire, but is also skeptical:
We will know soon enough, in a matter of weeks, not months, whether Russia is serious about peace or not. I hope they are.U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio
Russia has repeatedly shown willlingness to engage in constructive dialogue, and Putin agreed in a phone call with President Trump two weeks ago that Russia would no longer attack Ukrainian energy infrastructure, if Ukraine promised the same. Less than a day after this committment was made, Ukrainian drones entered Russian airspace, headed for energy facilities, fueling Russian distrust for Ukraine.
While Trump seems to be on better terms with Putin than his White House predecessor, tensions still exist, and significant obstacles must be overcome before a lasting peace can be reached.