Trump decided to seize Russian tankers because Putin "tired him out"

Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin during a meeting in Alaska on August 15, 2025. Photo: Jae C. Hong / AP

As the publication's sources note, these actions by the White House are a signal to Moscow that less and less time remains to find a peaceful resolution.

Those close to Trump believe that Putin is deliberately dragging out negotiations. One source, close to the US President's inner circle, described his approach as "carrot and stick," adding that "the carrot has effectively run out." Another interlocutor emphasized that Russia's "two steps forward — one step back" tactic is becoming increasingly tiresome for Trump.

The Telegraph recalls that Trump previously often spoke positively about Putin and partly blamed Ukraine for the prolonged conflict. However, according to current and former American officials, his administration's position is gradually aligning with that of European allies, who are convinced that Moscow is deliberately stalling and not striving for real peace.

A former US administration official noted that Washington increasingly faces situations where Russia demonstrates readiness for agreements but then either strengthens its position or temporarily withdraws from negotiations when specific points are discussed. Meanwhile, according to him, Ukraine appears more inclined to compromise.

The publication also mentions that Trump's earlier statements about believing in the sincerity of Putin's peaceful intentions caused concern among Kyiv's European partners. In Europe, it was noted that warm contacts between Trump and Putin were often followed by missile and drone attacks on Ukraine's civilian infrastructure. A British official stated that against this backdrop, the Trump administration's "mindset" is now closer to the European view of the war than ever before, as "Putin's constant brutality, cynical behavior, and games do not go unnoticed."

On January 9, the US Coast Guard seized the tanker Olina (formerly Mivera M) in the Atlantic Ocean, which was under sanctions for transporting Russian oil. This is the fifth tanker in recent times boarded by US forces. Previously, the vessels Bella 1, linked to Russia's "shadow fleet," and M Sophia were detained. According to The New York Times, the US is currently pursuing a total of 16 tankers. Some of them, such as Veronica (renamed Galileo), are urgently changing names and registering under the Russian flag to avoid detention.

In addition, Donald Trump gave the green light to a new bill on "crushing sanctions," initiated by Republican Senator Lindsey Graham. The document provides for the introduction of 500% tariffs on imports from countries that purchase Russian energy and raw materials.

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