He insisted Mr Putin “has got to really settle this war”, noting: “You know, they have long lines waiting for gasoline in Russia right now… all of a sudden his economy is going to collapse and I’d like to see him do well. I mean, I had a very good relationship with Vladimir Putin, but he just doesn’t want to end that war.”
During remarks alongside Argentine President Javier Milei at the White House on Tuesday, Mr Trump argued the war – now nearing its fourth year – is making Mr Putin “look very bad”, reports the Express.
Mr Trump has become increasingly exasperated with the Russian President amid US-spearheaded efforts to resolve the conflict. He asserted Russia has endured 1.5 million casualties – exceeding the 1.1 million figure estimated by the UK Ministry of Defence.
Additional Western intelligence organisations place Russian losses at approximately one million.
Mr Trump has recently characterised Russia as “a paper tiger” and, marking a significant evolution in his position on the war, stated that Ukraine can reclaim all of its territory. “Who would think that Ukraine could have fought Russia for four years to essentially a standstill?”, Mr. Trump questioned during Tuesday’s press conference.
Mr. Trump is preparing to welcome Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to the White House on Friday, as he contemplates providing Kyiv with long-range Tomahawk missiles. On Sunday, he hinted at the possibility of sending the weapons, stating: “Maybe I’ll talk to him. I might say, look, if the war is not settled, I’ll send them the Tomahawks.”
These cruise missiles boast a range exceeding 1,500 miles, which would place Moscow and vast regions of Russia within striking distance.
Mr. Putin has warned that U.S.-Russia relations would be irreparably damaged if America supplies the weapons.
Officials from the Kremlin have cautioned that this move would significantly escalate tensions.
