Four and a Half Years After Invasion, Ukraine War Still Rages

Residents of Ukraine have lived under the shadow of war for more than four and a half years. Despite President Donald Trump’s repeated assertions that he would end the fighting swiftly, no formal peace agreement has been reached. The conflict remains active, with neither side showing immediate signs of a complete cessation of hostilities.

During the 2024 presidential campaign, Trump frequently promised a rapid resolution. In a July 2023 rally in Council Bluffs, Iowa, 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, rather than aligning exclusively with either nation.

Since taking office, Trump has engaged directly with the leaders of both countries. He met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy twice at the White House. He also held a summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Anchorage, Alaska, in August 2025. Trump described that meeting as very productive, noting that the two leaders agreed on many points, though significant gaps remained. He emphasized that no deal exists until a formal agreement is reached.

The administration’s approach to economic pressure has shifted sharply in recent months. On September 18, Trump signed the Lindsey Graham Act, a bipartisan bill that imposed new sanctions and tariffs on Russia. However, on October 16, he signed an executive order waiving those specific sanctions, effectively removing the new financial constraints just weeks after they were enacted.

The timeline shows a progression from campaign promises to diplomatic meetings and legislative action, followed by a policy reversal. As of late October 2026, the war persists, and the diplomatic and economic tools used to influence the outcome have changed direction.