Russia Hits Back – Is Trump Being MISLED?

Russian officials claim President Trump is receiving filtered intelligence about the Ukraine conflict, as tensions escalate following his recent criticism of Vladimir Putin.

At a Glance

  • Trump called Putin “absolutely CRAZY” after Russian missile and drone attacks on Ukraine, marking a shift in tone
  • The Kremlin responded cautiously, with officials claiming Trump is receiving incomplete intelligence about Ukrainian actions
  • Russia launched a record 355 drones and nine missiles at Ukraine, described as retaliation for Ukrainian drone strikes
  • Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov suggests Western forces are deliberately prolonging the conflict
  • Trump has reportedly considered withdrawing from mediating the conflict due to lack of progress

Trump’s Criticism and Russia’s Response

President Donald Trump delivered a surprising rebuke of Russian President Vladimir Putin following a massive drone attack on Ukraine. “I’ve always had a very good relationship with Vladimir Putin of Russia, but something has happened to him. He has gone absolutely CRAZY!” Trump stated in response to what Ukraine’s air force reported as the largest drone attack of the war, with 355 drones launched by Russia. Despite previous claims of a good relationship with Putin, this marks a significant shift in Trump’s rhetoric toward the Russian leader.

The Kremlin’s response has been notably measured. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov avoided direct confrontation, stating: “This is a very important moment which is connected to an emotional overload of everyone involved.” This careful diplomatic approach suggests Russia remains interested in maintaining communication channels with Trump despite his criticism. Russian officials have instead turned their focus to what they describe as a deliberate campaign to provide Trump with incomplete intelligence about the conflict.

Russian Claims of Intelligence Manipulation

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has directly accused Western interests of filtering information reaching Trump. “One thing is clear — Donald Trump and those who actually make decisions regarding the Ukraine conflict in particular, are not being told everything. The information he [Trump] is given is filtered through a sieve, which is prepared by those who want to draw America into more aggressive action against Russia, in support of the Kiev regime,” Lavrov stated.

“Gee, why would Putin order massive strikes on Ukraine on May 24 and 25? “No reason whatsoever”? It appears that no one briefed Trump on what Ukraine did, starting May 19.… Just imagine how Donald Trump would react if Mexican drug cartels launched 700 attack drones into the United States. We all know the answer…. The US would be bombing Mexico as we speak. Trump’s failure to acknowledge the precipitating actions of Ukraine is a reminder that this man is driven by emotion, not thought or reason. Trump’s outburst, in my opinion, is a disgrace.”, said Former CIA analyst Larry C. Johnson.

Russian officials argue that Trump has not been informed about Ukrainian drone strikes within Russian territory that preceded the Russian attacks. According to Moscow, these crucial details about Ukrainian actions have been deliberately withheld to encourage a more aggressive American response. The accusation suggests that certain Western elements may prefer to prolong the conflict as a strategy to diminish Russia’s military power rather than pursue diplomatic solutions.

Escalating European Involvement

European powers continue to increase their involvement in the conflict. Germany recently announced plans for joint production of long-range weapons for Ukraine, with Chancellor Friedrich Merz characterizing the situation as “solely a war of aggression by Russia, in violation of international law.” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is expected to visit Berlin for talks about further negotiations and EU sanctions against Russia, underscoring Europe’s growing stake in the conflict’s outcome.

A Danish intelligence report has suggested that some European countries may have strategic reasons for keeping Russia engaged in Ukraine. The war has prompted increased military preparations across Europe, with countries like Germany and Poland substantially increasing defense spending. This shift in European security posture represents the most significant military buildup on the continent since the Cold War era.

Trump’s Evolving Role in the Conflict

Reports indicate Trump has considered stepping back from his role as a potential mediator in the conflict. His recent criticism of Putin came after Russia launched a record number of drones and missiles at Ukraine, attacks which Moscow described as retaliation for Ukrainian strikes on Russian infrastructure. The complex nature of the conflict has reportedly left Trump frustrated with the lack of progress toward resolution.

“Europe has a set of primary interests, which to us have none, or a very remote relation. Hence she must be engaged in frequent controversies, the causes of which are essentially foreign to our concerns. Hence therefore it must be unwise in us to implicate ourselves, by artificial ties in the ordinary vicissitudes of her politics, or the ordinary combinations and collisions of her friendships, or enmities.”, said George Washington.

French President Emmanuel Macron has weighed in on Trump’s rebuke of Putin, suggesting Trump now realizes Putin has not been truthful about the war in Ukraine. This international reaction highlights the diplomatic significance of Trump’s comments at a time when global powers continue to position themselves regarding the ongoing conflict. Meanwhile, Ukraine’s foreign intelligence service has accused China of supplying Russia with military materials, further complicating the international dimensions of the crisis.

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