Ukraine conflict persists after 4.5 years

The war in Ukraine has now lasted more than four and a half years, with active fighting continuing despite repeated attempts by the United States to broker an end to the conflict. President Donald Trump campaigned on a promise to resolve the hostilities quickly, a pledge he has not yet fulfilled.

During a rally in Council Bluffs, Iowa, on July 7, 2023, Trump outlined his strategy for the conflict. “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 told the crowd. He added that his primary goal was for people to stop dying.

Since taking office, Trump has engaged in diplomatic meetings with both key leaders. He met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy twice at the White House. In August 2025, he met once with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Anchorage, Alaska. After that meeting, Trump described the session as productive, noting that the two leaders agreed on many points. “There’s no deal until there’s a deal,” Trump said regarding the remaining disagreements.

Legislative action followed the diplomatic talks. On September 18, Trump signed bipartisan legislation named after the late Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.). The bill imposed specific sanctions and tariffs targeting Russia. However, the policy shifted just one month later. On October 16, Trump signed an executive order that waived those sanctions.

The waiver reverses the earlier legislative measures aimed at pressuring Moscow. The war continues as of this month, with no finalized peace agreement in place between the warring nations.