Put pressure on Putin, Mr. President — it’s the only way to end this war

President Trump said he wanted to meet Russian dictator Vladimir Putin to “see what he has in mind.” “Probably in the first two minutes,” he added, “I’ll know exactly whether or not a deal can get done.”

Mr. President, you have your answer: Putin doesn’t want peace, he simply wants conquest.

Putin put on his best fake smile, waved for the cameras, then ominously pointed out how many parts of Alaska have Russian names. He rejected a ceasefire, and instead demanded long negotiations for a comprehensive treaty. This is the dictionary definition of “tapping along.” 

While he says he wants more talks and ridiculously floats “next time in Moscow” — an invitation to be dismissed out of hand — his bombardment of Ukraine continues. 

You’re right, Mr. President, that the killing must end, and Alaska showed that the only way to do that is to squeeze Putin. 

Trump said that he would not sanction Russia further after the summit. But he should increase sanctions on Russia immediately — particularly secondary sanctions on oil and other goods that are keeping Putin’s war machine afloat. 

The president should make clear arms supplies will continue, particularly now that Europe is footing the bill, and our military industry is benefiting.

Putin did not move on his demands. He must be forced to move — with cash and steel. Tariffs. Weapons. Strong security guarantees for Ukraine. Pressure is the only language Putin understands.

According to reports, Putin said that “if he wanted” he could take all the land he’s fighting for in Ukraine. What lies. He’s been battling over this territory for three years, and if he really had that kind of advantage, why would he be pushing for a “land swap” that pole vaults him to the other side of the Ukrainian front lines? 

He’s pretending his victory is a fait accompli, when the reality is he is, at best, grinding along at a pace that would take years for him to complete his “special operation.”

We cannot afford to wash our hands of Ukraine, even if it is true that it is ‘Biden’s War’ and it would never have started during a Trump presidency.

First, your voters believe in the fight — 51% of Republicans believe we should be supplying more arms and military support to Ukraine (up from 30% six months ago), and 84% of GOP voters have an unfavorable view of Putin.  

Second, while we understand you envision Russia as a strategic partner, a weakened Russia benefits your world vision. Consider what has happened already. Iran is providing drones to Russia, yet when you bombed Tehran’s nuclear facilities, Putin could provide his ally no help. He has alienated Azerbaijan, and you were able to step up and negotiate a peace deal between that country and Armenia. Putin has less resources to put into the Arctic.

Some advisers say this is a distraction from the real enemy, China. But standing up for Ukraine, showing strength for our allies, sends a message to Beijing. There is also a widening rift between China and Russia as Putin’s moves become more destructive. In Alaska, Putin again floated the blackmail of nuclear war, the “point of no return” as he said. President Xi already has bristled at such rhetoric, saying that China “opposes . . . the threat to use nuclear weapons.” China should make it clear that it is still unacceptable.

By rejecting a ceasefire, Putin wants to push a bad deal at the point of a gun. We fall for his flattery, his bluster and his threats at our peril.