Donald Trump initiated a diplomatic push aimed at securing peace between Russia and Ukraine, but his efforts have hit a wall. While the President invited both Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelensky to meet in Alaska and Washington D.C., respectively, Moscow remained unresponsive. The Kremlin’s lack of engagement has exposed the fragility of Trump’s strategy for a ceasefire or summit. Vladimir Putin’s team dismissed any talks or concessions. They refused to budge on the core demands fueling this conflict. The reality is that Putin’s response underscores his disregard for Trump’s calls, leaving Trump contemplating his next move: imposing sanctions or taking a more passive approach. Trump is facing mounting pressure as diplomatic efforts stall. His cautious wait-and-see strategy has been marked by both frustration and calculated pragmatism. Time is ticking as the deadline for Putin to respond nears; it’s unclear whether he will ultimately succumb to pressure or continue the current stalemate.