Trump Criticizes Putin’s Handling of Ukraine War Amid Escalating Conflict

Former US President Donald Trump expressed disappointment in Russian President Vladimir Putin for failing to take steps to resolve the ongoing war in Ukraine. Speaking at a press conference alongside the UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, Trump stated he had initially believed the conflict would be “the easiest to solve” due to his personal rapport with Putin.

Since a summit held in Alaska last month, where Trump encouraged Putin to engage in dialogue with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, hopes for a peace agreement have not materialized. Trump noted that his various deadlines and ultimatums for Putin to engage with proposed solutions have gone unanswered. “I thought this war would be one of the easiest to solve because of my relationship with Putin. But he has really let me down,” he told reporters.

Trump highlighted the human cost of the conflict, remarking that Russian troops are suffering casualties at a higher rate than their Ukrainian counterparts. He further suggested that a decrease in oil prices could prompt Russia to withdraw from the conflict, urging European nations to stop purchasing energy from Russia. “If the oil prices come down, then Russia will settle,” he stated.

The former president attributed the war’s initiation in February 2022 to a lack of respect for US leadership during Joe Biden‘s presidency. “If I were president, it would have never happened, and it didn’t happen for four years. Most people agree,” Trump claimed. He emphasized his discussions with Putin regarding Ukraine, describing it as “the apple of his eye” and asserting that the invasion would not have occurred if US leadership had commanded more respect.

The situation in Ukraine has escalated recently, with Moscow launching thousands of drones and missiles targeting various locations. In response, Ukraine has attacked Russian energy facilities, intensifying the conflict on both sides.

Sir Keir Starmer praised European efforts in supporting Ukraine, stating, “We have built the coalition of the willing with British leadership and French leadership, stepping up with military planning in the seas, in the sky, on the ground and ramping up what we do with the Ukrainians themselves.”

Last week, Trump indicated his readiness to impose significant sanctions on Russia but emphasized that NATO should cease its purchase of Russian oil. In a post on Truth Social, he criticized NATO for its insufficient commitment to defeating Russia, stating, “The purchase of Russian Oil, by some, has been shocking! It greatly weakens your negotiating position, and bargaining power, over Russia.”

As the conflict continues to evolve, the international community remains watchful of both the military actions and the diplomatic efforts underway to seek a resolution.