Trump shares editorial urging tougher line on Putin, signalling frustration with Russia

Trump reposted the editorial on social media on Wednesday without adding any comment. Titled “Putin ‘attack’ bluster shows Russia is the one standing in the way of peace,” the piece criticises the Russian leader for hardening his stance following recent talks with the US president.

The editorial points to Trump’s optimism earlier this week after meeting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy about potential movement toward a peace deal, optimism that faded after Trump’s subsequent phone call with Putin.

During the call, Putin reportedly said Russia would revise its negotiating position, claiming Ukrainian drones had targeted one of his residences.

Ukraine has denied the allegation, and the Post editorial casts doubt on Moscow’s version of events, saying that “on cue, Russian dictator Vladimir Putin chose lies, hatred, and death instead.”

According to a person familiar with the matter, CIA Director John Ratcliffe briefed Trump on US intelligence assessments surrounding Russia’s claim before the president shared the editorial. The Wall Street Journal has previously reported that US national security officials doubt the Russian account, with a CIA assessment finding no evidence of such an attack on Putin.

The editorial argues that Russia is actively opposing Trump’s broader global agenda, citing Moscow’s support for Iran and its backing of Venezuela’s leadership.

It calls for tougher measures, saying the US should apply greater pressure through stricter sanctions and increased military support for Ukraine.

“The answer should not be more concessions, but a bigger stick,” the Post wrote. “Kyiv has done its part. The onus should be on Putin to step up or face more stringent sanctions and more deadly weapons in Ukraine.”

Trump, however, told reporters earlier this week that he was “very angry” about the alleged drone incident, saying an attack on Putin’s residence was “not the right time” for such actions, even as Ukraine dismissed the claim as a fabrication meant to derail peace talks.

The editorial ultimately rejects Russia’s explanation, calling it an “invented or embellished narrative” designed to justify rejecting Trump’s diplomatic efforts, and concludes with a blunt appeal to the US president: “Spare us his crocodile tears and turn up the heat.”