Trump: Putin wants to seize all of Ukraine, but it will be 'very difficult'

US President Donald Trump has claimed that Russian President Vladimir Putin seeks to seize control of the entire territory of Ukraine, but suggested that achieving this objective will prove “very difficult” for the Kremlin.

In an interview, Trump expressed frustration over the breakdown in previously positive communications with Putin, recalling: "We had good conversations, and it seemed like we could end this situation - then suddenly the bombs started falling."

"He's obviously a tough nut to crack, and that hasn’t changed," Trump added. "Maybe he wants it all - Ukraine - but I think it will be very hard for him to do that."

Trump also said that the United States would impose sanctions on Russia, but claimed Putin had already developed strategies to circumvent them.

In July, Trump sharply condemned Russia’s escalation of airstrikes in Ukraine and issued a 50-day ultimatum for Putin to halt hostilities and pursue peace. He warned of sanctions targeting countries that purchase Russian oil, alongside new restrictions directly aimed at Moscow.

However, in a surprise shift on 29 July, Trump reduced the ultimatum to just 10 days, setting a new deadline of 8 August, which he referred to as a “final date” for diplomatic resolution.

In response, the Kremlin announced its intention to continue what it called a “full-scale military operation” and threatened the United States with nuclear retaliation if “red lines” were crossed.