President Trump delivered a stark warning to Vladimir Putin on Monday, following the Russian leader’s claims about testing a new “invincible” nuclear missile.
“They know we have the largest nuclear submarine in the world right off their shores,” Trump stated to reporters aboard Air Force One as he geared up for a trip to Japan.
This comments came after Putin highlighted an 8,700-mile, 15-hour test flight of Russia’s “unique” nuclear-powered missile, known as the “Flying Chernobyl.” Russia asserts this missile could target locations within the United States.
“They’re not playing games with us. We’re not playing games with them,” Trump added, reiterating his calls for Putin to cease hostilities in Ukraine.
“I don’t think what President Putin said was appropriate. By the way, President Putin should end the war. It was supposed to wrap up in a week, yet here we are, nearing its fourth anniversary. Rather than testing missiles, that’s what he should focus on,” Trump remarked.
In the meantime, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has intensified his requests for the U.S. to provide long-range missiles to exert pressure on Putin for a peace agreement.
Zelensky commended Trump’s recent sanctions against Russia as “transformative,” but he emphasized that further pressure is essential to bring an end to the ongoing conflict that started in February 2022.
President Zelenskiy stated, “Trump is understandably concerned about escalating tensions. However, without negotiations, escalation is inevitable. If Putin doesn’t relent, we need something to stop him. Sanctions are one tool, but we also require long-range missiles,” he explained during a conversation with Axios on Sunday.
