Ukraine War Persists Despite Trump Pledges and Sanctions Reversal

The war between Russia and Ukraine has continued for more than four and a half years, persisting despite President Donald Trump’s repeated promises to end the conflict. The ongoing fighting marks a delay in the resolution the president sought during his campaign.

Trump pledged to settle the war before taking office in 2023. At a rally in Council Bluffs, Iowa, on July 7 of that year, 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.” He added that he was on the side of people who wanted to stop dying.

Since taking office, Trump has engaged in diplomatic efforts to finalize a peace deal. He met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy twice at the White House. In August 2025, he met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Anchorage, Alaska. Trump described that meeting as productive, noting they agreed on many points but still had major issues to resolve. He emphasized, “So, there’s no deal until there’s a deal.”

Legislative actions regarding the conflict have also shifted. On September 18, Trump signed the late Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) Act, a bipartisan bill imposing sanctions and tariffs on Russia. Just four weeks later, on October 16, he signed an executive order waiving those specific sanctions.

The waiver reverses the pressure placed on Russia under the new law. The conflict remains active in the region as diplomatic talks continue without a finalized agreement.