“I am extremely disappointed in President Putin,” Trump said on July 13th. “I thought he was someone who meant what he said.”
Trump tears Putin, Russian leaders say “kill many people”
President Trump expressed his dissatisfaction with Russian President Putin after his leadership failed to seal the peace deal with Ukraine.
President Donald Trump denounced Vladimir Putin ahead of his meeting with the NATO Secretary-General, and again complained that he didn’t want Russian leaders to escalate in Ukraine.
“I’m extremely disappointed in President Putin,” Trump said on July 13 at Andrews’ joint base. “I thought he was someone who meant what he said. And he spoke so beautifully, and he’ll bomb people at night. We don’t like it.”
Trump’s increasingly harsh rhetoric against Putin moves to boost US military support for Ukraine, telling reporters on July 13 that he will send patriot air defense missiles to war-torn countries invaded by Russia in 2022.
Trump said the European Union will refund the missiles to the United States.
Ukrainian President Voldimir Zelenki is pressing Trump to enable his country to purchase patriot missile air defense systems from the United States as Russia strengthens missile and drone attacks. Shipping of previously approved missile systems was suspended by the Pentagon Review of US military stockpiles and resumed last week by Trump.
While speaking to reporters after returning from a FIFA Club World Cup match in New Jersey, Trump said the US would send Ukraine “sophisticated military” equipment. The plan was expected to be part of an oval office discussion at the White House with NATO Executive Director Mark Latte.
Trump’s friendly approach to Putin – he called him “very kind” last month – is increasingly criticized as Russia continues to fire Ukrainian cities heavily despite Russia’s efforts to reach a ceasefire.
With President Putin moving forward with war efforts, Trump is moving to support Ukraine with weapons, and Congress is considering legislation to increase sanctions against Russia.
Contributed by Francesca Chambers, USA Today
