Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) expressed his belief that President Trump was influenced during his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Alaska Summit on Friday.
“President Putin doesn’t seek a contract or peace. He thinks this diplomatic tactic will continue, using strength to delay any ceasefires,” Blumenthal stated during an appearance on CNN’s AC360.
He emphasized the need to supply Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Ukraine with essential military support, including interceptors for the Patriot system, necessary missiles, long-range artillery, and sanctions as outlined in the Graham-Blumenthal Bill, which is currently under consideration.
Trump described the bilateral meeting as “productive,” though he noted that peace points need to be clearly defined before any agreements are made. Zelensky is set to visit the White House on Monday.
Despite ongoing negotiations, both Russia and Ukraine appear to be escalating military actions.
This past Thursday, Ukraine initiated a drone strike in southern Russia, while the Kremlin seized control of areas in the East Donetsk region earlier in the week.
Blumenthal, who met with Zelensky in May, reacted to Trump referring to Putin as a friend, saying it was unsettling for him.
“Nothing came from this summit. It felt inconsequential. Honestly, when I heard President Putin described as a very good friend, my stomach turned,” he added.
Blumenthal labeled Putin a war criminal, citing his orders for soldiers to kill civilians and bury them in mass graves.
He has partnered with Graham to propose bipartisan measures targeting Russian trading allies, including China, Brazil, and India, for purchasing oil from Putin.
While the administration has taken a cautious financial stance towards Russia, it has raised tariffs on Indian goods amid the conflict in Eastern Europe.
In a hopeful tone, Graham predicted on Friday that if Trump were to meet with Zelensky and Putin, the war might conclude before Christmas. “If a trilateral meeting occurs between President Trump, Zelensky, and Putin, I’m somewhat optimistic that peace could be achieved by Christmas,” the South Carolina Republican remarked.
