U.S. President Donald Trump acknowledged that First Lady Melania Trump has shaped his thinking on the war in Ukraine, telling reporters that she regularly challenges his optimistic assessments of talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. “She’s very smart, she’s very neutral… she’d like to see people stop dying,” Trump said when asked whether his wife influenced his views. Trump recounted returning from calls with Putin and being reminded by Melania that Russian missiles had struck another Ukrainian city. The Oval Office exchange follows reports in The Times, Politico and other outlets describing the Slovenian-born first lady as an “unexpected ally” for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, crediting her with helping steer the White House toward a firmer line on Moscow. The president’s comments come as Washington sharpens its policy: Trump this week approved the delivery of Patriot air-defence systems to Kyiv and warned that countries continuing normal trade with Russia face 100 % secondary tariffs unless a peace agreement is reached within 50 days. The tougher stance contrasts with Trump’s earlier praise of Putin and underscores Melania Trump’s growing behind-the-scenes influence on the administration’s approach to the conflict.