Trump Criticizes Putin, Hints at Surprise on Ukraine

President Donald Trump sharply criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin during a White House cabinet meeting, blaming him for up to 7,000 weekly casualties in the Ukraine war and calling Putin's peace overtures 'meaningless.' Trump expressed frustration at the lack of progress toward negotiations and stated he was 'not happy' with the Russian leader. After a recent pause, Trump resumed U.S. weapons shipments to Ukraine, reaffirming support for Ukrainian defense. He showed openness to imposing new, tougher sanctions, including a Senate bill with 500% tariffs on goods from countries purchasing Russian energy. Trump blamed previous U.S. administrations for contributing to the Ukraine conflict and hinted at a 'little surprise' in the upcoming U.S. response. The Kremlin responded by highlighting ongoing and contradictory U.S. statements about arms supplies to Ukraine.