During a White House briefing on October 14 with Argentine President Javier Milei, Donald Trump derided Russian President Vladimir Putin, insisting the Ukraine war would persist.
Trump’s Frenzied Commentary on Putin and Russia
In the briefing, Trump noted he had had very good relations with Putin, but said Russia simply refuses to end the war, damaging its image. He alleged the war had lasted four years, that Putin has lost roughly 1.5 million soldiers, and that the conflict is terrible for him, saying he should have won it in a week.
Trump Commends Ukraine’s Endurance
Trump lauded Ukrainian defenders for their ability to fight Russia for four years, describing the stalemate as a testament to their resolve.
U.S.–Ukraine Air Defense Talks Ahead
On Friday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will visit Washington to discuss Ukraine’s air‑defence and long‑range weapon capabilities. U.S. officials are weighing the possibility of supplying Tomahawk missiles, a prospect that has already drawn nervous reactions from Moscow. The Ukrainian delegation has been in the U.S. since October 13, with Prime Minister Swyridanko and Security Council Chair Rustem Umierov in attendance.
Trump’s Talk with Putin on Tomahawk Missiles
Trump has not yet decided to supply Ukraine with Tomahawk long‑range missiles but says he will discuss the issue with both Zelensky and Putin. He highlighted discussions on Patriot batteries and stated that the United States would not unilaterally disarm its forces or send all reserves. Trump suggested that delivering Tomahawks could force Putin toward peace, offering to send them if the war does not end but also acknowledging the U.S. could withhold the weapons, noting such a move would be an escalation.
