Trump and Putin have shared a complicated and often contradictory relationship since Trump’s initial rise to the presidency in 2016.
But when Trump returned to the White House in 2025, the dynamic began to shift, especially amid the continuing Russia-Ukraine conflict.
While campaigning in the 2024 election, Trump frequently claimed he could bring the war to a close within 24 hours of taking office.
He called for an immediate ceasefire and reportedly had multiple phone conversations with Putin. Despite these efforts, the war has persisted.
Since taking office, Trump has imposed tariffs on Russia, warning they would be “very severe” unless a resolution with Ukraine was reached.
In a cabinet meeting held on July 8, he bluntly remarked that “Putin throws a lot of bulls*** at us,” underscoring his growing frustration.
Recently, Trump shed more light on his current stance toward the Russian leader.
After meeting with the NATO Secretary General, he spoke with BBC journalist Gary O’Donoghue and expressed confusion over the lack of progress toward peace.
“We’ll have a great call. I’ll think we’re close to a deal, then suddenly he blows up a building in Kyiv,” Trump said. “I asked, ‘What the hell was that for?’”
When asked by O’Donoghue if he was done dealing with Putin, Trump replied
“I’m disappointed in him, but I’m not done with him.”
In the same interview, Trump was asked whether the recent assassination attempt had changed him personally.
He replied, “I don’t like thinking about it. If I let it get to me, it could change everything—and I don’t want that.”
As for whether he trusts Putin, Trump offered a broader reflection: “I trust almost nobody, to be honest with you.”
Meanwhile, leaked audio surfaced last week suggesting Trump once took a tougher tone with Putin.
According to CNN, during a private event with donors before his second campaign, Trump reportedly recalled warning Putin: “If you go into Ukraine, I’ll bomb the s**t out of Moscow. I have no choice.” He claimed Putin replied, “I don’t believe you,” to which Trump added, “But he believed me a little—maybe 10%.”
Russia has officially denied that such a conversation ever took place.
In a significant policy move, Trump also confirmed the U.S. would begin supplying Ukraine with air defense systems.
On Sunday, July 13, he stated, “We’ll be sending them Patriots—they desperately need them. I haven’t decided on the quantity yet, but they’ll get some. They need protection.”
