Russian State TV Network Mocks Donald Trump's Attack on Putin

 

Trump’s Criticism of Putin Sparks Backlash from Russian State Media

Former President Donald Trump’s recent social media attacks on Russian President Vladimir Putin have drawn mockery and warnings from Russian state-controlled media.

Posting on Truth Social, Trump condemned Putin after Russia launched a wave of missile and drone strikes on Ukraine over the weekend. In one post, Trump warned that the Russian leader was "playing with fire," and claimed that without his influence, "lots of really bad things would have already happened to Russia"—though he offered no specifics.

The Kremlin’s media apparatus quickly responded. RT, the Russian state-run outlet, dismissed Trump's remarks, pointing out his history of rapidly shifting positions. On the social platform X, RT mocked the statement as one that “leaves little room for misinterpretation—until he posts the opposite tomorrow morning.”

Vladimir Solovyov, a prominent anchor on the Kremlin-backed Russia 1 channel and known Putin ally, escalated the rhetoric. He described Trump as being trapped in an “information bubble” and lacking basic understanding of global affairs. “Let me remind you,” Solovyov said, “we can destroy the world several times over. There will be no meekness from Moscow.”

Trump's latest comments marked a sharp departure from his previously favorable posture toward Putin. During his earlier presidency and since returning to the campaign trail, Russian propagandists have often highlighted Trump’s criticism of Ukraine and his reluctance to support sanctions as signs he might align with Moscow’s interests. However, his recent remarks appear to have shifted that narrative.

According to independent Russian outlet Agentstvo, Russian state media initially ignored Trump's jab calling Putin “absolutely CRAZY.” But after a second wave of criticism—where Trump warned Putin was "playing with fire"—Kremlin-aligned figures began to respond forcefully. Given the tight government control of Russian media, the shift suggests that officials may have given the green light to attack Trump publicly.

Trump’s latest posts also follow his absence from recent peace talks in Istanbul, which yielded little progress in ending the war. Trump has hinted that he may withdraw from peace efforts altogether if negotiations stall.

U.S. foreign policy experts remain skeptical that Russia has any serious intention to de-escalate. Retired Vice Admiral Robert Murrett, now a professor at Syracuse University, told Newsweek there is little indication the Kremlin will scale back its demands or end its military aggression. These demands include full control over five Ukrainian regions, blocking Kyiv from NATO membership, and removing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky from power.

Elina Beketova, a fellow at the Center for European Policy Analysis (CEPA), emphasized that the U.S. continues to apply strategic pressure on both sides. “It’s a constant juggling act between carrot-and-stick diplomacy,” she said.

Meanwhile, The Wall Street Journal has reported that Trump is considering imposing sanctions on Russia, though no final decision has been made. His social media rhetoric—and Russia’s aggressive response—has added fuel to the speculation.