Just hours after holding talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Rome, US President Donald Trump on Saturday accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of deliberately extending the Ukraine conflict, hinting that Moscow might not be genuinely seeking a resolution.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump said, "There was no justification for Putin to fire missiles into civilian areas, cities, and towns over the past few days. It raises doubts about whether he really wants to end the war, or if he’s just dragging things out. Maybe it’s time to deal with him differently — through Banking restrictions or Secondary Sanctions? Too many lives are being lost."

The meeting between Trump and Zelenskyy — their first since a tense confrontation at the White House last month — took place on the sidelines of Pope Francis’s funeral. Their 15-minute one-on-one conversation was described by Kyiv as “constructive.”

Following their discussion, Zelenskyy took to X to call it a "good meeting," emphasizing hopes for a "full and unconditional ceasefire" and a "durable peace." He posted a photo alongside Trump, describing the encounter as "symbolic" with the potential to become "historic" if it yields meaningful outcomes.

Trump's critical remarks toward Putin came a day after the Russian leader reportedly told US envoy Steve Witkoff in Moscow that he was open to negotiations with Ukraine "without preconditions," according to Kremlin sources.

In a noticeable shift from his earlier hardline stance against Zelenskyy, Trump appeared to strike a more conciliatory tone toward the Ukrainian leader, even as he maintained his generally positive view of Putin.

Trump has been pushing for both Kyiv and Moscow to accept a ceasefire and work towards a peace agreement, warning that the US would step back from its mediation role if talks stagnate.

However, documents seen by Reuters suggest that recent shuttle diplomacy efforts have exposed widening cracks between the Trump administration and European allies regarding how to move the peace process forward.

Relations between Trump and Zelenskyy have remained strained. During their previous Oval Office meeting, Trump reportedly warned Zelenskyy that he was "risking World War Three," while Zelenskyy dismissed Trump's worldview as being trapped in a "disinformation bubble" favoring Russia.