Ukraine conflict persists past four and a half years
President Trump reversed his own Russia sanctions one month after signing them, as fighting continues despite his campaign pledge to end the war.
By James Brooks ·
The war in Ukraine has now continued for more than four and a half years, defying the central promise of President Donald Trump’s presidential campaign.
Trump pledged repeatedly during the 2023 and 2024 election cycles that he would resolve the conflict between Russia and Ukraine immediately. At a rally in Council Bluffs, Iowa, on July 7, 2023, he stated, “Before I even arrive at the Oval Office shortly after I win the presidency, I will have the horrible war between Russia and Ukraine settled.”
Since taking office, Trump has met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy twice at the White House. He also met with Russian President Vladimir Putin once in August 2025 in Anchorage, Alaska. After that meeting, Trump described the session as “very productive” and noted that the leaders agreed on “many, many points.” He added, “So, there’s no deal until there’s a deal.”
The administration’s approach to economic pressure on Russia has shifted rapidly in the past two months. On September 18, Trump signed bipartisan legislation named after the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C. The bill imposed new sanctions and tariffs on Russia. On October 16, Trump signed an executive order that waived those specific sanctions.
Fighting continues on the ground despite these diplomatic and economic moves. The current standoff leaves the conflict in its fifth year, with no formal agreement reached between the warring parties.
