President Donald Trump delivered one of his sharpest public rebukes of Vladimir Putin to date, telling reporters late Sunday: “I am very disappointed with President Putin. I thought he was somebody that meant what he said. He’ll talk so beautifully, and then he’ll bomb people at night. We don’t like that.”
The comments marked a notable shift in tone from a president who once praised the Russian leader’s “strength” and directness. Now, frustration with Moscow’s ongoing assault on Ukraine appears to be pushing Trump toward a more hawkish stance—one that could carry consequences.
According to White House officials, Trump is expected to issue a “major statement” on Russia following Monday’s meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. The two leaders are set to discuss Ukraine, transatlantic trade, and defense spending.
Trump’s meeting with Rutte follows his Sunday announcement that the United States will send Patriot missile defense systems to Ukraine—an initiative he said would be funded by NATO allies. “Ukraine desperately needs those Patriot missile defense batteries,” Trump said, adding that Putin “talks nice and then he bombs everybody in the evening.”
While Trump stopped short of confirming fresh sanctions against Moscow, he has repeatedly hinted at stronger measures. On Capitol Hill, bipartisan momentum is growing: Senator Lindsey Graham has co-sponsored a bill that would impose additional sanctions on Russia’s economy. It remains unclear whether today’s expected statement from Trump will address the proposed legislation directly.
Rutte last visited the White House on March 13, when US and NATO officials voiced optimism that a 30-day ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine could be within reach. Since then, the war has only intensified.
The Dutch leader and Trump most recently met at NATO’s June summit in The Hague, where Rutte secured a landmark agreement among alliance members to increase defense spending to 5% of GDP by 2035.
The meeting between Trump and Rutte is underway.
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