“Trump is correct when he claims that Putin invaded Ukraine because he believed he would not face a strong response from the United States and its European allies. However, this has not yet led to a more decisive stance from the White House to match the current administration’s talk of “peace through strength.” Trump’s recent change in tone and his unprecedented criticism of Russia certainly send the right signal, but Putin will not be moved by words alone.”“Trump is correct when he claims that Putin invaded Ukraine because he believed he would not face a strong response from the United States and its European allies. However, this has not yet led to a more decisive stance from the White House to match the current administration’s talk of “peace through strength.” Trump’s recent change in tone and his unprecedented criticism of Russia certainly send the right signal, but Putin will not be moved by words alone.”

Sergiy Solodkyy, Director of the New Europe Center, in his article for the Atlantic Council.

Key messages from the article:

Appeasement has failed. Trump initially repeated the same mistake in 2025 by trying to win Putin over with generous peace offers, but this only encouraged further Russian escalation.

Words are not enough – deterrence requires real strength. “Peace through strength” must be backed by military and strategic resolve.

Long-term commitment. Sustained Western support is crucial to undercut Moscow’s bet that the U.S. and allies will “tire out.”

Tougher sanctions and enforcement. The West must close loopholes and apply secondary sanctions to Russia’s allies.

Read more here.