US President Donald Trump expressed strong disappointment with Russian President Vladimir Putin, saying he had expected their close ties to facilitate progress in ending the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Trump noted that despite repeated discussions with Putin, the Russian leader has continued the war, causing heavy casualties among Russian forces. “I thought our relationship would make ceasefire talks easier, but my hopes were dashed. Putin truly disappointed me,” Trump said. He emphasized that pressure on countries like India and China regarding oil supplies is essential to influence Russia’s actions.
Trump also spoke about US-India relations, highlighting his long-standing friendship with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He mentioned calling Modi on his birthday to convey his wishes and praised the strong ties between the two countries. While discussing trade issues, Trump noted that China is paying significant tariffs to the US and hinted that further measures could be applied. He stressed that halting oil purchases is the most effective way to compel Russia to reconsider its war strategy, reiterating that diplomatic and economic pressure on India and China is crucial to achieving progress in the conflict.