U.S. President Donald Trump has made explosive remarks about Russian President Vladimir Putin. He claimed that Putin had deceived four American presidents—Bill Clinton, George Bush, Barack Obama, and Joe Biden—but failed to deceive him.
According to a report by TRT World on Tuesday (July 15), Trump made these comments during a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte at the White House on Monday (local time). During the meeting, he discussed military aid to Ukraine, Putin’s role, and U.S. foreign policy in detail.
Trump stated:
“This war isn’t mine; it’s Biden’s war. I’m trying to get America out of this war. This is not a Republican or Trump war. This war wouldn’t have happened and shouldn’t have happened.”
That day, Trump issued a 50-day ultimatum to Russia. Warning the Kremlin, the Republican president said:
“If Russia doesn’t stop the war in Ukraine within the next 50 days, we will impose large-scale new economic sanctions.”
He added:
“I’m disappointed in Putin. I thought a deal would have been reached two months ago. But it didn’t happen.”
During the meeting, Trump and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte announced that NATO would now buy billions of dollars’ worth of weapons from the U.S. This package includes the ‘Patriot’ missile defense system, which will be sent to Ukraine.
Rutte said:
“This is a major deal. Now the U.S. doesn’t have to bear the full cost—European countries are also helping.”
Germany, Canada, Denmark, Finland, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, and the United Kingdom have agreed to help purchase arms and support Ukraine.
Earlier, after taking office for a second term, Trump tried to improve relations with Putin. During his campaign, he had pledged to end the Ukraine war within 24 hours. But soon after assuming office, Trump became angry.
Instead of halting the war, Putin increased record-breaking missile and drone attacks on Ukraine. Ukraine also escalated counterattacks on Russian territory.
Trump recounted:
“I go home and tell Melania, ‘Had a good talk with Putin today.’ She says, ‘Really? A city just got bombed.’”
He further stated:
“I’m not saying Putin is a killer, but he’s a tough guy.”
