Trump Slams Putin: ‘He Speaks Nicely, Then Bombs People at Night’

Melbourne, 14 July— U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed strong frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin over his refusal to engage in peace talks to end the war in Ukraine. Speaking to reporters on Sunday at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, Trump criticized Putin’s duplicity, stating, “He speaks nicely, then bombs people at night. I don’t like that.”

Trump’s comments came as he announced plans to send U.S.-made Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine, underscoring a shift in tone amid growing dissatisfaction with Moscow’s stance on the conflict.

“We’re giving them the Patriots. They need it urgently,” Trump said. “We haven’t decided how many yet, but we’ll be sending some because they need protection.”

Just a week earlier, Trump had revealed plans to allow U.S. allies in NATO to purchase American weapons, which could then be transferred to Ukraine. The announcement coincides with an upcoming visit from NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, who is expected to meet Trump in Washington this week. Sources suggest military aid to Ukraine will be high on the agenda.

While Trump had previously pledged during his campaign to quickly end the war in Ukraine, recent developments suggest a more hardened approach. Despite multiple temporary ceasefires announced by Putin, Russia has rejected a U.S.-proposed 30-day unconditional truce. Moscow argues such a pause would give Ukraine time to regroup militarily.

Since returning to the White House in January, Trump’s administration has significantly reduced direct aid to Ukraine, claiming that U.S. taxpayer money is being wasted. He has also accused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky of being an obstacle to peace. While leftover aid from the Biden administration continued to reach Ukraine, Trump had temporarily halted new military shipments until announcing on July 7 that “defensive weapons” would be sent.

When asked whether upcoming announcements on Russia would include new sanctions, Trump declined to provide details but reiterated his disappointment: “I’m very disappointed in President Putin. I thought he was a man of his word. But he speaks beautifully, then bombs people at night. I don’t like that.”

In a related development, Republican Senator Lindsey Graham on Sunday unveiled a bipartisan sanctions bill that would grant Trump sweeping authority to impose tariffs on nations aiding Russia. The proposed legislation would allow Trump to impose tariffs of up to 500% on certain goods and services.

“This congressional package gives President Trump a sledgehammer,” Graham said. “If he wants, he can take tariffs from zero to 500 percent. The power is entirely in his hands.”

Human rights groups and political analysts say the Trump administration’s evolving stance reflects a growing urgency to address the ongoing humanitarian and security crisis in Ukraine — even as the war drags into its third year.