Former President Donald Trump stated that Russian President Vladimir Putin recognizes him as the toughest adversary he has ever faced. Trump asserted that if he were not president, Putin would likely attempt to take control of all of Ukraine. He emphasized that his presidency prevents Putin from acting aggressively, saying, "He’s not going to mess around with me." Trump also expressed the belief that Putin would prefer to reach a deal and suggested that the ongoing war in Ukraine should never have occurred. These remarks were made in response to questions about Putin's position and strength amid the conflict in Ukraine.
Asked if Putin has a strong hand, Trump says: “If I weren’t president, he’d take all of Ukraine. CNN calls his visit here a win for him, I’d say the opposite. I think Putin wants a deal. This war should’ve never happened. I’m president, and he’s not going to mess with me.” https://t.co/FXHPwSX7Hh
Trump thinks Putin would like to see a deal Then: 'I think if I weren’t president, he would take over all of Ukraine' https://t.co/QtmUBAilOn https://t.co/amD1rCFzrd
Q: "Does Putin have a strong hand tomorrow?" Trump: "If I weren't president, in my opinion, he would much rather take over all of Ukraine. But I am president, and he's not going to mess around with me." https://t.co/v8C7xPcA9o