Trump Shifts Tone on Putin Amid U.S. Arms Resumption for Ukraine

In a significant shift in rhetoric, President Trump has openly criticized President Putin, coinciding with renewed military support for Ukraine as tensions escalate.

President Trump, expressing his mounting frustration with Russian President Vladimir V. Putin, made strong remarks on Tuesday that marked a pivotal change in his approach toward the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Following a decision to resume U.S. munitions shipments to Ukraine, Trump conveyed his disappointment in Putin's "meaningless" gestures aimed at achieving peace amid the prolonged invasion by Russia.

The former president articulated his dissatisfaction during a cabinet meeting at the White House, reflecting an unusual public critique of Putin since his election in 2016. “We get a lot of bullshit thrown at us by Putin, if you want to know the truth,” Trump stated, adding that Putin's friendliness was often deceptive. His harsh words signal a notable reversal from previous narratives where Trump often sought to downplay tensions with Russia.

This newfound criticism also aligns with a more amicable rapport Trump appears to be cultivating with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The decision to send air defense interceptors and precision-guided munitions to Ukraine comes after a brief hiatus intended to assess the Pentagon’s weapon stockpiles.

Despite the logistical uncertainty around the delivery of these weapons, the Ukrainian government welcomed the announcement, especially after suffering a significant Russian airstrike in Kyiv and other regions that followed a call between Trump and Putin. The move underscores a resumed commitment to assist Ukraine as it continues to grapple with the multifaceted challenges posed by the Russian aggression.