Donald Trump's 'underlying goal' revealed as war of words with Vladimir Putin continues

 

EXCLUSIVE: A former British Army officer and defense analyst has cautioned that Donald Trump’s ambitions regarding Russia and President Vladimir Putin may be “naive, if not unachievable.”

Trump's evolving stance toward Putin is drawing renewed scrutiny as the two leaders trade insults and the Ukrainian peace process remains stalled. The former U.S. president recently issued an ultimatum to Moscow, giving the Kremlin two weeks to take ceasefire negotiations seriously or face a “different kind of response” from his administration.

Nicholas Drummond, a defense analyst and strategic consultant, suggested Trump is pursuing a geopolitical strategy aimed at driving a wedge between Russia and China. However, Drummond expressed skepticism about the viability of that approach. Speaking to the Express, he said, “Putin clearly believes he can manipulate Trump to further his own agenda. It’s doubtful he holds much respect for him. While Trump’s intentions may be sincere, trying to detach Russia from China is likely unrealistic.”

Drummond, a former British Army officer, didn’t hold back in his assessment of Trump’s leadership style. He described him as “vain, petty, and petulant,” despite acknowledging that Trump harbors a “genuine desire” to serve American interests.

“Trump does have bold ideas driven by a real intent to improve outcomes for the U.S.,” he noted. “But these ideas are often undermined by his personality flaws.”

Tensions between Trump and Putin have escalated in recent weeks, especially amid the intensifying war in Ukraine. Trump lashed out at the Russian leader after a wave of drone attacks killed civilians in Ukrainian cities.

Posting on his platform, Truth Social, Trump wrote:

“I’ve always had a very good relationship with Vladimir Putin of Russia, but something has happened to him. He has gone absolutely CRAZY! He is needlessly killing a lot of people, and I’m not just talking about soldiers.

Missiles and drones are being shot into cities in Ukraine for no reason whatsoever. I’ve always said that he wants ALL of Ukraine, not just a piece of it—and maybe that’s proving to be right. But if he does, it will lead to the downfall of Russia!”

In response, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov dismissed Trump’s remarks, claiming they stemmed from “emotional overload.”

“This is a decisive moment,” Peskov said. “Emotions are running high.”

The war in Ukraine has entered one of its most intense phases yet. On Sunday night, Russia launched its largest drone barrage since the full-scale invasion began over three years ago, deploying 355 drones in a single night, according to Ukrainian officials. That attack followed another massive strike involving 298 drones and 69 missiles.