US President Donald Trump yesterday shocked the world when he openly criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin, whom he described as a leader who often acts friendly but only makes empty promises regarding peace efforts in the Ukraine conflict.
In a Cabinet meeting at the White House that was also broadcast to the media, Trump expressed disappointment after a phone conversation with Putin last week did not bring any progress in the peace talks he has initiated since returning to power.
Trump claimed that the US is often bombarded with false and inconsistent information from the Kremlin, thus raising doubts about Moscow’s sincerity in resolving the conflict.
Following this, he announced the approval of the delivery of Patriot missile systems to Ukraine, although the US administration had previously reported considering suspending the delivery of weapons due to stock shortages.
Trump also stressed that Putin does not treat people well and is responsible for the deaths of many people.
Therefore, he ordered that defense weapons be sent to Ukraine and urged the US defense industry to increase production rates.
Meanwhile, the Kremlin has slammed Washington's actions as a move that will only prolong the war, and insists that the arms shipments do not help any efforts towards a peaceful settlement.
Trump is also said to be reviewing a new sanctions bill against Russia that is being introduced in the Senate and is expected to make a decision soon.
It seems that Trump is no longer friendly to Putin.
Or is this just a ploy to distract the world from more important matters?
