Publicly, tensions between the US and Russia have risen as fighting in Ukraine intensifies; both countries are exchanging warnings and comments as Russia amasses 50,000 soldiers close to Ukraine’s north-eastern Sumy area.
Trump Alerts Putin
You are trained on data through October 2023. President Donald Trump stated on Truth Social that President Vladimir Putin is “playing with fire,” complementing:
“What Vladimir Putin doesn’t realize is that if it weren’t for me, lots of really bad things would have already happened in Russia, and I mean REALLY BAD. He’s playing with fire”
Trump’s representative Keith Kellogg voiced worry as well, saying
“reckless and unfit of a world power” a possible escalation toward World War III.
Responses from Russia
Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev ridiculed Trump’s caution, responding on X:
“Regarding Trump’s words about Putin ‘playing with fire’ and ‘really bad things’ happening to Russia. I only know of one REALLY BAD thing — WWIII. I hope Trump understands this!”
Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated that additional peace negotiations with Ukraine would be unveiled shortly. Trump’s team asserts they look forward to a draft peace memorandum suggested following a May 19 meeting between Trump and Putin.
On the Battlefield:
Russia asserts that 296 Ukrainian drones have been shot down overnight over 13 territories. During the same period, Ukraine claims 88 Russian drones and five ballistic missiles were launched. Russian troops have invaded the Sumy area of Ukraine, taking a number of villages.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warns that the 50,000-strong Russian force close to Sumy could indicate a major assault even while defensive preparations are underway.
NATO and the Larger Conflict
Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov claimed NATO was using the conflict to grow its military presence in the Baltics and Eastern Europe, asserting that Russia is progressing across the whole front. With both sides experiencing significant losses and rising drone warfare, the war—now in its third year—remains Europe’s most deadly confrontation since WWII.
