Trump Highlights First Lady’s Role in His Approach to Ukraine
President Donald Trump said this week that First Lady Melania Trump played a key role in making him aware of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s pattern of breaking promises in the ongoing Ukraine conflict.
Speaking after a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte on Monday, Trump recounted conversations in which Melania questioned his optimism about Putin’s assurances following their phone calls.
Melania Trump Pointed Out Continued Russian Attacks
Trump described returning home after speaking with Putin and telling Melania they had made progress toward peace, only for her to point out that Russia launched strikes the same day.
“I go home. I tell the First Lady, ‘You know, I spoke to Vladimir today. We had a wonderful conversation.’ She said, ‘Oh, really? Another city was just hit,’” Trump said.
In another instance, he recalled: “I’d say, ‘First Lady, I had the most wonderful talk with Vladimir. I think we’re finished.’ And then I’ll turn on the television, or she’ll say, ‘Wow, that’s strange because they just bombed a nursing home.’”
The remarks came as Trump confirmed plans to sell weapons to NATO and warned Putin that he has 50 days to reach a peace deal with Ukraine or face increased tariffs.
Trump’s Tougher Stance on Russia
Over the past week, Trump expressed frustration with Russia’s ongoing attacks, saying he was not happy with Putin “because he’s killing a lot of people.”
On Monday, he announced that the U.S. would provide Patriot missile systems to Ukraine while coordinating further arms sales through NATO partners. NATO allies including Germany, Finland, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and Canada have also agreed to step up military support for Ukraine.
Rutte noted, “This is only the first wave. There will be more. We will work through NATO systems to ensure that Ukrainians get what they need.”
Arms Sales and Ultimatum
Trump’s ultimatum gave Putin 50 days to secure a peace deal before facing what he called “100% tariffs.” At the same time, he praised NATO’s unified response and emphasized the role of European nations in supporting Ukraine.
The new strategy reflects a shift in Trump’s approach, coupling diplomacy with pressure through military and economic measures.
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