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.”

President Trump has shifted his stance on the Russia-Ukraine war, suggesting that the two nations must independently negotiate peace. Despite earlier promises to broker a quick resolution and threats of sanctions,