President Trump has repeatedly shifted his positions on Ukraine to accommodate Russian President Vladimir Putin, even as Putin has given very little in return. Why it matters: Trump's critics claim he's getting played — that Putin has no intention of making peace and is stringing him along.

Trump’s lead envoy to Ukraine and Russia, Steve Witkoff, has had similar moments of confusion. In an interview in March, he could not name the regions over which the war is being fought. “These so-called four regions,” he said, struggling to recall them. “Donbas, Crimea... You know the names.”

After a phone call Monday between Trump and President Vladimir Putin of Russia, Trump appears to be walking away from negotiations for a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine.