Topics: Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin, Russia, Ukraine, Politics, World News
Donald Trump has issued an ominous message for Vladimir Putin after threatening to launch an attack on Russia in leaked audio tapes.
Trump insisted he could end the Russia-Ukraine war within his first 24 hours back in the White House during the 2024 presidential election campaign.
But despite calls for a ceasefire and discussions with Putin over the phone, the war seems to have no end in sight.
Audio of the 47th POTUS speaking to donors in 2024 has caused quite an international stir, with CNN reporting the leaked tapes were of Trump speaking to wealthy donors at an event prior to becoming president for a second time.
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In the recording, Trump reportedly said: “With Putin I said, ‘If you go into Ukraine, I’m going to bomb the s**t out of Moscow. I’m telling you I have no choice.'
“And then [Putin] goes, like, ‘I don’t believe you.’ But he believed me 10%.”
It remains unclear when these alleged conversations took place with the leaders.
Nato chief Mark Rutte was at the White House on Monday (July 14), where the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict was top of the agenda.
Trump spoke to the BBC following the meeting with the Nato boss and issued an ominous message to Putin amid Russia continuing to drop bombs on Ukraine.
"We'll have a great conversation. I'll say: 'That's good, I'll think we're close to getting it done,' and then he'll knock down a building in Kyiv," the president said.
The BBC asked Trump if he was done with Putin due to an agreement with Russia not looking to be on the horizon anytime soon.
The president replied: "I'm disappointed in him, but I'm not done with him. But I'm disappointed in him."
Despite previously labelling Nato as 'obsolete', Trump has come round to the idea of the treaty, telling the BBC 'I think Nato is now becoming the opposite of that' due to the fact they are now 'paying their own bills'.
Trump confirmed on Sunday (July 13) that the US would send air defense systems to Ukraine to help fight off Russia aggression.
"We will send them Patriots, which they desperately need," the president said to press. "I haven’t agreed on the number yet, but they’re going to have some because they do need protection."
Patriots are advanced defence systems which use radar to intercept aircraft, ballistic missiles and drones.
The POTUS confirmed the delivery of new weapons is part of a new deal that sees NATO paying the US.
