President Trump recently directed a rare critique at Russian President Vladimir Putin following the NATO summit held in the Netherlands. In a conversation with a Ukrainian journalist, Trump stated that the U.S. might be able to supply Patriot missile systems and munitions to support Kyiv amid its ongoing conflict with Russia.
“I know one thing: He’d like to settle, he’d like to get out of this thing. It’s a mess for him,” Trump remarked to reporters in The Hague before concluding the two-day summit.
When asked by Gray TV reporter Jon Decker about whether he views Russia as an adversary or if the Kremlin aims to expand beyond Ukraine, Trump responded, “It’s possible. I mean, it’s possible.”
Despite previous tensions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Trump acknowledged that Putin had proven to be the more challenging leader to engage with. “Vladimir Putin has been more difficult. Frankly, I’ve had some problems with Zelensky,” Trump said, addressing inquiries about his campaign promise to resolve the conflict swiftly. “It’s been more difficult than other wars.”
Trump displayed empathy for BBC Ukraine correspondent Myroslava Petsa when she inquired about U.S. readiness to provide anti-air missile systems to Ukraine, considering the heavy bombardment the country has been enduring.
Before answering her question, Trump sought to understand her situation: “Are you living, yourself, now in Ukraine?” Petsa replied, “My husband is there. And me with the kids, I’m in Warsaw [Poland], actually. Because he wanted me to.”
In response to Trump’s question regarding whether her husband is a soldier, she confirmed, “He is,” prompting Trump to express his concern. “Wow, that’s rough stuff, right? That’s tough,” he said.
Trump emphasized that Ukraine is interested in purchasing weapons from the U.S., promising, “we’re going to see if we can make some available.” He noted, “You know, they’re very hard to get. We need them too. We were supplying them to Israel, and they’re very effective — 100% effective. Hard to believe how effective. And they do want that more than any other thing, as you probably know.”
Wishing Petsa well, Trump added, “That’s a very good question, and I wish you a lot of luck. Say hello to your husband, OK? Thank you.”
Trump has increasingly expressed frustration with Putin, especially following Russia’s recent wave of brutal attacks on Ukraine, including a large-scale assault involving 300 drones and missiles last month, which led him to label the Russian leader as “crazy.”
However, the administration remains cautious about imposing additional sanctions on Russia despite mounting pressure from Congress. Secretary of State Marco Rubio explained, “If we did what everybody here wants us to do, and that is come in and crush them with more sanctions, we probably lose our ability to talk to them about the cease-fire, and then who’s talking to them?”
Earlier in the day, Trump met with Zelensky, who later commended Trump for a successful operation in the Middle East, noting, “It is important that the US actions have weakened not only their nuclear program but also their drone production capabilities. We will continue to keep an eye on the situation.”
Zelensky highlighted discussions on protecting their citizens, particularly regarding the acquisition of American air defense systems to safeguard infrastructure and lives in Ukraine. “Ukraine is ready to buy this equipment and support American weapons manufacturers. Europe can help. We also discussed the potential for co-production of drones. We can strengthen each other,” he added.