Trump Admits Putin May Have Been ‘Playing’ Him All Along

In a stunning reversal, President Donald Trump admitted Saturday that Russian President Vladimir Putin might have been deceiving him about ending the bloody war in Ukraine — and hinted that new economic sanctions could be on the table.

The admission came just hours after Trump met privately with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at Pope Francis’ funeral in Rome, marking their first in-person encounter since a tense Oval Office blow-up earlier this year.

Shortly after the meeting, Trump took to Truth Social, writing:

“It makes me think that maybe [Putin] doesn’t want to stop the war, he’s just tapping me along, and has to be dealt with differently, through ‘Banking’ or ‘Secondary Sanctions’? Too many people are dying!!!”

The blunt post marks a rare moment of self-doubt for Trump, who for years has insisted that Putin was sincere about wanting peace — despite mounting evidence and bipartisan warnings to the contrary.

A “Very Productive” but Tense Meeting

According to White House Communications Director Steven Cheung, Trump and Zelensky had a “very productive discussion” during their brief sit-down in Rome. Zelensky later posted on X, describing the one-on-one conversation as “good” but emphasizing the urgency for real results.

“We discussed a lot one on one. Protecting lives of our people. Full and unconditional ceasefire. Reliable and lasting peace that will prevent another war from breaking out,” Zelensky wrote. “A very symbolic meeting that has the potential to become historic, if we achieve joint results.”

Sources close to the talks say Zelensky pressed Trump to take a harder line against Moscow, especially after a brutal week of Russian missile strikes on Ukrainian cities that killed scores of civilians, including children.

Trump’s Tightrope on Putin

Trump’s handling of the Ukraine war has become a political minefield. Since retaking office, he has pushed aggressively for a negotiated peace deal, often claiming that only he could end the conflict that has now dragged on for more than three years.

Just one day earlier, Trump told reporters that Ukraine and Russia were “very close to a deal,” fueling hopes that an agreement was imminent.

But the latest wave of Russian airstrikes — and Putin’s reported refusal to halt offensive operations — appears to have jolted Trump into a rare moment of clarity.

“Vladimir, STOP!” Trump had pleaded earlier this week on Truth Social. “5000 soldiers a week are dying. Let’s get the Peace Deal DONE!”

An Uneasy History

Trump’s cozy relationship with the Kremlin has long alarmed national security experts. During his first term, he repeatedly downplayed Russian aggression, casting doubt on U.S. intelligence reports that linked Moscow to election interference.

At the same time, Trump often smeared Ukraine’s democratic government, labeling Zelensky a “dictator” and blaming previous U.S. administrations — particularly Barack Obama’s — for the conflict.

Critics have warned for years that Trump’s “trust” in Putin was naïve at best, and dangerous at worst. Now, with his own credibility on the line, Trump seems to be recalibrating — but many wonder if it’s too little, too late.

What Comes Next?

While Trump floated the idea of imposing “Banking” or “Secondary Sanctions” against Russia, no official policy shift has been announced yet. Analysts say new sanctions targeting Russian banks and companies doing business with Moscow could escalate financial pressure — but would require buy-in from U.S. allies still wary of Trump’s erratic approach.

Meanwhile, the civilian death toll in Ukraine continues to climb, and Putin’s forces show no sign of pulling back.

As Zelensky put it after the Rome meeting:

“We are hopeful. But hope alone will not protect our people.”