Fact Check: Trump has previously said that he refrained from imposing additional sanctions in hopes of securing a peace deal between Kyiv and Moscow.

Fact Check: "Trump has previously said that he refrained from imposing additional sanctions in hopes of securing a peace deal between Kyiv and Moscow."

What We Know

Former President Donald Trump has made various statements regarding peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia. He has expressed a desire to facilitate a ceasefire and peace agreement, suggesting that both parties should negotiate terms directly. In a recent statement, Trump claimed that "Russia and Ukraine will immediately start negotiations toward a Ceasefire and, more importantly, an END to the War" following discussions with both Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (source-1). However, he has also indicated frustration with the lack of progress in negotiations, stating he might "just back away" if no advancements are made (source-2).

Trump's approach has included a notable shift away from the previous administration's support for Ukraine, with some reports suggesting he has refrained from pushing for additional sanctions against Russia in hopes of fostering a more conducive environment for peace talks (source-3). This has led to mixed reactions, with some analysts arguing that his reluctance to impose further sanctions could undermine Ukraine's negotiating position (source-4).

Analysis

The claim that Trump has refrained from imposing additional sanctions to secure a peace deal has some basis in his public statements and actions. He has consistently emphasized the importance of direct negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, suggesting that he believes a more hands-off approach could yield better results. For instance, he stated that "the conditions for that will be negotiated between the two parties" (source-1), which implies a desire to avoid heavy-handed U.S. intervention that could complicate negotiations.

However, the reliability of Trump's statements is often questioned due to his history of making optimistic claims that do not materialize. For example, while he has promised peace in Ukraine "within a day," the reality has been far more complex, with ongoing hostilities and little progress towards a lasting resolution (source-2). Furthermore, analysts have pointed out that Trump's reluctance to impose sanctions may not necessarily be a strategic move towards peace but could also reflect his broader foreign policy approach, which has been characterized by a tendency to favor dialogue over punitive measures (source-7).

In summary, while there is evidence that Trump has refrained from imposing additional sanctions in the context of pursuing peace talks, the effectiveness and sincerity of this strategy remain debatable.

Conclusion

Verdict: Partially True

The claim that Trump has refrained from imposing additional sanctions in hopes of securing a peace deal between Kyiv and Moscow is partially true. While he has indeed expressed a desire for negotiations and indicated a reluctance to impose further sanctions, the effectiveness of this approach and his commitment to achieving peace remain uncertain. His history of making bold claims without corresponding actions casts doubt on the sincerity of his strategy.

Fact Check: Trump has previously said that he refrained from imposing additional sanctions in hopes of securing a peace deal between Kyiv and Moscow.