‘Will Be Hit Very Hard': Trump Threatens Putin With 'Very Powerful' Weapon
US President Trump criticized Russian President Putin for attacks on Ukraine, warning of severe consequences and confirming the delivery of Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine.
As someone who claimed that he could end the Russia-Ukraine war within 24 hours, has now taken a tougher tone with Russian President Vladimir Putin. US President Donald Trump has criticised Putin for Russia's continued attacks on Ukraine. He expressed his disappointment with Putin and warned that Putin 'will be hit very hard" if he continues his aggression.
Trump said, 'He's fooled a lot of people, he fooled Bush, Clinton, Obama, Biden," but emphasised that Putin didn't fool him.
'He didn't fool me,' Trump said, further threatening to take action against Russia, stating that Putin 'will be hit very hard" if he continues his aggression. 'At a certain point, you know, ultimately, talk doesn't talk, it's got to be action," the US President added.
Trump also confirmed that the US will send Patriot air defence systems to Ukraine to help the country defend itself against Russian attacks.
He warned that his administration would impose 100% tariffs on Russia if Moscow and Kyiv fail to reach a ceasefire deal within 50 days.
While addressing a joint appearance at the White House with Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, amid ongoing diplomatic pressure on Russia over its invasion of Ukraine, Trump said, 'I use trade for a lot of things." he added. 'But it's great for settling wars."
Meanwhile, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte has promised that Ukraine will receive 'massive numbers" of weapons under the NATO-US agreement.
Trump has expressed frustration with Putin, criticising him for failing to follow through on his words. Trump stated he's 'very disappointed" with Putin, citing unsuccessful US-brokered talks aimed at negotiating a truce between Russia and Ukraine.
'I thought he was somebody that meant what he said — and he'll talk so beautifully, then he'll bomb people at night. We don't like that," he told reporters.
Trump's stance on Russia and Ukraine has shifted. Initially, he was conciliatory towards Vladimir Putin, but now he's expressed growing frustration with the Russian leader's unyielding stance on US-led peace efforts and prolonging the war.
On the other hand, he adopted a softer stance with Zelenskyy after a bitter public spat in the Oval Office in February, as indicated by his decision to send Patriot systems amid increased Russian aerial attacks.
'This is billions of dollars worth of military equipment is going to be purchased from the United States, going to NATO… and that's going to be quickly distributed to the battlefield," Trump said.
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