Trump Slams Putin’s ‘Bull----,’ Resumes Ukraine Arms Shipments

President Donald Trump sharply criticized Russian leader Vladimir Putin during a recent Cabinet meeting, dismissing Putin’s rhetoric as "bull----" and expressing frustration over the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict. Reflecting on his first term, Trump highlighted his decision to supply Ukraine with Javelin missiles, contrasting it with former President Barack Obama’s non-lethal aid, like blankets, which he mocked as inadequate. "I gave them the javelins. Obama gave them sheets," Trump quipped, underscoring a policy shift that began in 2017 when he approved lethal aid to Ukraine.

Trump pointed to the Biden administration’s mishandled Afghanistan withdrawal as a catalyst for Putin’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, arguing it signaled weakness. "Putin saw that mess and thought, ‘Here’s my shot,’" Trump said, expressing displeasure with Putin’s actions, which he said have led to thousands of deaths weekly, including Russian soldiers. His tone marked a departure from earlier comments about a "good relationship" with Putin, particularly after a disappointing phone call last week where Putin refused to relent on Ukraine.

Meanwhile, Trump’s interactions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy have been tense. In a February Oval Office meeting, Trump accused Zelenskyy of ingratitude for U.S. support and resisting peace efforts, warning, "You’re gambling with World War III." Despite this, a recent meeting at the NATO summit in The Hague was more cordial, with both leaders expressing a desire to end the three-year conflict. Trump praised Ukrainian fighters as "brave" but criticized the scale of U.S. military aid under Biden, noting Europe’s contributions were significantly less. "We’re in for over $300 billion, Europe for $100 billion. It’s their backyard, not ours," he argued.

Trump also announced resumed U.S. weapons shipments to Ukraine, including defensive systems, citing Putin’s disregard for human lives. "He’s killing too many people, so we’re sending defensive weapons," Trump stated, referencing a recent pause in shipments due to U.S. stockpile concerns amid the Israel-Iran conflict.