U.S. President Donald Trump once again shared his views on the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. On October 14, speaking with journalists at the White House, he said he was disappointed in Russian President Vladimir Putin, calling the war “a pointless and destructive process,” CNN reported.
According to Trump, he had good relations with Putin, and those ties may still partly remain. However, in the U.S. leader’s view, the Kremlin head must make a clear decision to stop the war.
— I’m disappointed, because my relations with Vladimir were really good. But he needs to end this war. People in Russia are now standing in long lines for gasoline. This could mark the beginning of an economic crisis, — said Trump.
He noted that Putin could have ended the war not in four years, but in one week. Yet he didn’t, and that decision has seriously damaged Russia’s image both abroad and at home.
— I don’t understand why he continues such a war. This four-year conflict could have been resolved within a week. They’ve lost nearly 1.5 million soldiers. It’s a heavy loss for both Putin and Russia, — Trump said.
According to the politician, the prolonged conflict has weakened Putin’s international standing and made him “look very bad.”
— He could have ended it quickly. But he didn’t. I think this war severely damages his reputation as a head of state, — Trump added.
The U.S. president also mentioned his upcoming October 17 meeting in Washington with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. He said Zelensky is expected to raise the issue of weapons supply.
— He’s coming Friday. And I know what he’s going to say — he’ll ask for weapons. He wants Tomahawks. We have plenty of Tomahawks. Maybe Argentina could use some too, — Trump joked, turning to Argentina’s President Javier Milei, who attended the press conference.
Trump’s statement sparked major discussion in U.S. and international media. Some analysts interpreted his words as an attempt to increase pressure on Russia, while others suggested he was emphasizing his relationship with Putin to strengthen his domestic political image.
Thus, the U.S. president’s latest remarks triggered new debates over the Russia–Ukraine conflict. His phrase “Putin could end this war quickly” caused significant resonance in political circles.
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