Ex-MI6 boss issues brutal Trump v Putin verdict - 'played him like a violin'

A former head of Britain’s intelligence service has delivered a stark warning about Vladimir Putin’s failed attempt to manipulate U.S. President Donald Trump, suggesting that the Russian leader’s influence may be unraveling — just as the war in Ukraine reaches a critical phase.

Sir Alex Younger, who served as the chief of MI6 from 2014 to 2020, said Putin had long tried to foster a false sense of personal rapport with Trump — portraying their relationship as a partnership between equals who could reshape the world order. But, he added, that illusion may now be collapsing.

“He’s played Trump like a violin,” Younger said in a BBC Newsnight interview.

“But it’s becoming very clear to Donald Trump that Putin has no plan other than subjugating Ukraine — and that continuing to fall for it will only make Trump look like a muppet. That’s not acceptable to him.”

🇺🇸 Relations Sour Between Trump and Putin

While Trump has previously praised Putin and at times echoed Kremlin talking points, recent months have seen a visible hardening in Trump’s tone, especially as Ukraine continues to endure brutal Russian airstrikes and civilian deaths mount.

In both public and private remarks, Trump has begun placing direct blame on the Kremlin for the war, reportedly telling donors that he once warned Putin:

“If you go into Ukraine, I’m going to bomb the s*** out of Moscow. I’m telling you, I have no choice.”

He also claimed to have issued a similar warning to China over Taiwan:

“If you go into Taiwan, I’m going to bomb the s*** out of Beijing.”

These comments — if authentic — mark a sharp departure from Trump’s earlier reluctance to criticize Putin, and signal a growing realization that the Russian leader’s expansionist ambitions threaten to make any U.S. president look weak if not firmly addressed.

🎯 “Putin Thought He Had an Open Goal”

Sir Alex Younger argued that Putin likely overplayed his hand.

“He thought he had an open goal,” he said.

“But now he’s facing a United States that might be about to get serious again.”

The former spy chief noted that Russia has suffered staggering losses in both manpower and territory despite nearly three years of war.

“He’s lost a million men and has less territory than he did in 2022,” Younger said.

“He doesn’t have a military solution. So Trump is his only answer — and he’s playing a very dangerous game.”

🛡️ Patriot Missiles, NATO Aid, and Ukraine’s Fight for Survival

Trump has also reversed course on military support for Ukraine, approving the transfer of Patriot missile defense systems via NATO to bolster Kyiv’s defenses. Each unit is valued at nearly $1 billion and plays a crucial role in protecting cities from missile and drone attacks.

“We’re going to be sending Patriots to NATO, and NATO will distribute that,” Trump said.

“NATO is going to reimburse the full cost.”

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed that he had a “positive dialogue” with Trump and asked for 10 Patriot systems in light of rising Russian air assaults. NATO partners — including Germany and Norway — have pledged to contribute systems or financing.

“Germany is ready to pay for two Patriots, Norway for one,” Zelensky said.

“Other European partners are prepared to help.”

⚠️ Rising Civilian Casualties & Escalating Drone Attacks

The urgency of Ukraine’s need was underscored this month when Russian forces launched a record 728 drones in a single night, with fears the number could soon exceed 1,000.

June marked the deadliest month for Ukrainian civilians since the war began, according to the United Nations, with over 230 killed and 1,300 injured.

Zelensky praised the Patriots as “real protectors of life”, as Ukraine races to strengthen its air defenses amid relentless attacks on infrastructure and population centers.

🕊️ A Harder Line — But Is It Enough?

Despite his previous hesitations on aiding Ukraine, Trump’s recent shift — both in rhetoric and arms support — has not gone unnoticed by Western analysts.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that the administration has asked NATO allies like Germany and Spain to hand over their existing Patriot stockpiles, with a commitment from the U.S. to finance replacements.

“We’ve encouraged our NATO allies to provide those weapons from their stocks,” Rubio said.

“Then we can enter into financial agreements to replace them.”

This logistical pivot comes amid worsening battlefield conditions, and a growing belief among Western leaders that Putin cannot be bargained with — only deterred.

📢 Trump’s Big Russia Announcement Looms

In a cryptic statement, Trump said he will make a “major announcement” about Russia on Monday. Details remain unknown, but the comment adds to the growing speculation that the U.S. may soon take a firmer stance against the Kremlin — one that even Trump’s critics didn’t expect from him.

With NATO allies watching closely, and Ukraine pleading for stronger support, Putin’s risky gamble on Trump as an ally may be collapsing.