As Russia’s war in Ukraine drags on, President Trump strides onto the diplomatic stage claiming he can deliver an end to the bloodshed. He has met with the Ukrainian leader, pushed for new talks with the Russians, and promises a sweeping peace that will silence the artillery on Europe’s Eastern frontier. Allies abroad watch with cautious optimism, while critics back home jab the man at every turn.

Though the president has displayed shifting stances—just days ago threatening severe consequences for Russia, then cozying up with Vladimir Putin in Alaska—he’s forging toward what he calls “a historic agreement.” Some in the establishment doubt his sincerity, asking how a man they label a destructive force can suddenly play peacemaker. But Trump insists it’s a matter of ensuring America’s will is enforced: a battered Ukraine, he says, needs reassurance that the American eagle still stands by its allies, while a repositioned Russia sees that we mean business.

At a lengthy White House gathering, he told President Zelensky that the United States wants to ensure Ukraine’s security. After all, Ukraine’s leadership has demanded a firm guarantee against future Russian aggression. The president’s response has been a swirl of tough talk couched in friendly overtures, as he attempts to juggle European leaders’ expectations while still keeping the door open to a grand deal with Putin. Staunch skeptics note this is a man who threatened Russian forces with harsh penalties one moment and downplayed them the next. But at least he’s keeping everyone on their toes.

In that White House meeting, Trump sided more with the idea of a broader peace agreement, a move that a prominent NATO official hailed. Yet critics point out that no one has hammered down the specifics of such a monumental treaty. Even so, you can’t discount the significance of big players from Germany, France, and Finland all heaping praise on the White House for spurring serious dialogue. The fear is: does Putin truly want peace, or is he just stalling while securing more ground?

One puzzle piece is the talk of guaranteed U.S. support for Ukraine’s military, including billions in new American-made weapons. Some see it as a tactic to give Ukraine a stronger hand on the battlefield—while others see it as a potential Trojan horse doubling as a payday for U.S. defense contractors.

Of course, President Trump’s unpredictability keeps everyone on edge. He once proclaimed the conflict in Ukraine would be one of the easier global problems to solve. Now he admits it’s complex. In typical fashion, he has swung from hawkish banter to warm overtures, from threatening to pressuring Zelensky to accept certain terms.

This approach may shock some. But consider the outcomes: for years, old-guard politicians droned on about “resolutions” that never materialized. Under this administration, at least the global community is seeing movement. Trump’s direct calls with Putin—some say too cozy—are stirring movement on both sides. Zelensky, facing open war on his territory, wants security. The U.S. stands to gain influence in Eastern Europe if it can broker real peace, overshadowing other power players.

None of that will matter if Trump’s critics sabotage these negotiations prematurely. Even in the face of naysayers, the president seems determined. He wants Ukraine stable, he wants Russia cooperating, and he wants to claim success on the global stage. After all, a towering foreign-policy victory might quiet domestic opponents who have battered him with lawsuits and accusations.

Securing peace in Ukraine is no small mission. But this administration tackles it with bravado. Perhaps that’s exactly what’s required to break a stalemate. Time will tell if Russia respects any handshake. Still, you can’t deny the significance of pushing for direct talks, massive arms deals for Kyiv, and pressing Putin to address real issues. If all goes right, the White House could walk away with a crowning achievement, and Zelensky could see an end to the horrors inflicted on his homeland.

For supporters, watch and celebrate; for detractors, keep doubting. In the end, if this flamboyant presidency achieves what so many conventional diplomats failed to accomplish, it may rewrite how peace is brokered in modern times.