President Trump has repeatedly cited as an asset his “very good” relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin. However, that “very good” relationship has delivered nothing in terms of a more accommodating Kremlin approach to settling the Russia-Ukraine war.

Putin has taken no serious steps in response to Trump’s calls to halt the fighting. Trump should therefore back his words with actions.

In 2024, Trump claimed he could end the war in 24 hours. On Jan. 22, just two days after returning to the presidency, Trump addressed the conflict on Truth Social: “I love the Russian people, and always had a very good relationship with President Putin. … All of that being said, I’m going to do Russia, whose Economy is failing, and President Putin, a very big FAVOR. Settle now, and STOP this ridiculous War! … IT’S ONLY GOING TO GET WORSE. If we don’t make a “deal,” and soon, I have no other choice but to put high levels of Taxes, Tariffs, and Sanctions on anything being sold by Russia…”

Several days later, Putin praised Trump as “clever” and “pragmatic.” The Russian president did not, however, suggest any change in approach to his war against Ukraine. Trump took no action.

On Mar. 11, the Trump administration secured Ukraine’s agreement to........

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