Former U.S. President Donald Trump expressed doubt that Russian President Vladimir Putin truly wants to end the war in Ukraine, casting skepticism on recent diplomatic signals from Moscow.

Speaking at a rally over the weekend, Trump said he believes Putin is prolonging the conflict for strategic reasons and that any talk of negotiations should be approached with caution.

“I don’t think Putin wants to end it. Not now,” Trump told supporters. “He’s getting too much out of it, and he thinks time is on his side.”

Trump’s comments come amid reports suggesting that back-channel talks between Western officials and Russia have increased in recent weeks.

Despite international pressure and heavy economic sanctions, Russia continues its military operations in eastern Ukraine, with no clear resolution in sight.

Trump criticized current U.S. leadership for what he called “weak messaging,” arguing that a tougher stance would have deterred Russian aggression earlier.

“When I was in office, we had peace through strength,” he said. “Now, weakness invites conflict.”

While Trump did not offer specific policy proposals, he emphasized that any future negotiations must be handled from a position of strength and skepticism.

International analysts remain divided over Putin’s true intentions, with some arguing he seeks a negotiated settlement while others believe he is committed to a long-term conflict.

Ukrainian leaders have repeatedly stated that any deal must respect Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, conditions that Russia has so far refused to accept.

Meanwhile, Western governments continue to supply Ukraine with military and economic support, signaling that they expect the conflict to last well into 2025.

Trump has made foreign policy a central theme in his campaign messaging, repeatedly claiming that his return to the White House would lead to a swift end to the war.

For now, his remarks add to the ongoing debate over how best to achieve peace in Ukraine — and whether Russia is truly interested in ending the conflict at all.