United States President Donald Trump has voiced strong criticism of Russian President Vladimir Putin over the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Speaking during a cabinet meeting at the White House on Tuesday, Trump expressed deep frustration with Moscow’s actions and hinted at possible new sanctions.
Trump said Putin had misled him on several occasions and blamed the Russian leader for the rising number of deaths in the war. “Putin keeps acting friendly, but it doesn’t mean anything,” Trump stated. He accused the Russian president of causing heavy casualties on both Russian and Ukrainian sides.
When asked about a bipartisan sanctions bill under discussion in the US Senate, Trump confirmed, “I’m looking at it very strongly.” However, he did not share further details. “I wouldn’t be telling you. Don’t we want to have a little surprise?” Trump added, before switching topics to recent US military actions in the Middle East.
At the same time, French President Emmanuel Macron spoke to the British Parliament, pledging Europe’s continued support for Ukraine. Macron reaffirmed that France and the UK, along with other allies, are committed to seeking a ceasefire and lasting peace. “We will not abandon Ukraine,” Macron declared.
Trump also revealed plans to send more weapons to Ukraine. The shipment will mostly include defensive systems, though the Pentagon has yet to release full details. Earlier, the US military had paused some aid deliveries due to concerns about limited stockpiles. A capability review is currently underway to reassess overall readiness.
Despite Trump’s earlier promises to quickly resolve the Ukraine crisis, little progress has been made. Direct talks between Trump and Putin have failed to produce any ceasefire agreement.
On the battlefield, Russia announced on Monday it had taken control of Dachne, a village in the Dnipropetrovsk region. Meanwhile, peace talks between Kyiv and Moscow remain stalled, with both sides still negotiating potential dates for the next meeting.
Trump’s latest remarks suggest a harder stance may be coming, as US patience over the war continues to wear thin.
Read more: Israeli PM Netanyahu to Visit Trump at White House as US pushes for Gaza ceasefire
