Trump issued stark 'muppet' warning as Putin scrambles in Ukraine

A former head of the UK’s Secret Intelligence Service has issued a blunt warning about the growing risks in the Trump-Putin dynamic, saying Donald Trump is Vladimir Putin’s “only answer” in the failing Russian campaign against Ukraine.

Sir Alex Younger, who led MI6 from 2014 to 2020, told BBC’s Newsnight that the Russian president is “playing Trump like a violin,” attempting to manipulate the American leader into enabling Russia’s stalled war strategy. With Russia suffering catastrophic military losses and running out of strategic options, Younger claims Putin is “dangerously overplaying his hand.”

⚠️ “Trump Is Being Played — But He’s Catching On”

Sir Alex didn’t mince words:

“I think [Putin] has played Trump like a violin so far. He’s created this idea that they’re mates, that they’re equals, and that they can solve the world’s problems together. But it’s becoming clear to Trump that Putin has no intention other than to subjugate Ukraine — and he’s going to make Trump look like a muppet if this goes on.”

The comments underscore growing tension between Washington and Moscow. Trump, who had once boasted he could “end the war in a day”, has shown increasing signs of frustration with Putin as peace talks stall and Russian forces step up attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure.

Speaking earlier this week, Trump lashed out:

“We get a lot of bulls*** thrown at us by Putin. He’s very nice all the time, but it turns out to be meaningless.”

🔥 Russia’s Position Worsens as War Grinds On

Now in its third year, the Russia-Ukraine war continues to exact a devastating human cost. According to military estimates cited by Younger, Russia has lost close to a million troops, yet controls less territory than it did in 2022. The Kremlin has responded with escalating aerial bombardments, targeting cities like Kyiv in some of the heaviest airstrikes of the war.

Sir Alex warned that Putin has no military pathway to victory, and instead is banking on political instability in the West — particularly Trump's return to the White House — to reset the chessboard.

“The evidence is overwhelming — he doesn’t have a military solution. He’s playing it dangerously,” said Younger. “Trump is his only way out.”

🎯 Trump Signals Shift: NATO Weapons to Ukraine

In a notable shift, Trump recently told NBC News that he would soon deliver a “major statement” on Russia, signaling a firmer posture. He hinted that Patriot missile systems, previously withheld, would be transferred to Ukraine — with NATO footing the bill.

Patriot systems have been critical in defending Ukrainian civilian infrastructure from Russian air attacks. While the U.S. has paused some arms shipments amid stockpile reviews, Trump is reportedly considering releasing weapons from existing reserves — bypassing delays and showing a renewed willingness to confront Moscow.

🌍 Putin’s Game: Manipulate the Messenger

The underlying concern, according to the former MI6 chief, is that Putin’s survival strategy depends on Trump. By treating Trump as a “partner” rather than an adversary, the Russian president hopes to gain diplomatic breathing room, delay further Western support for Ukraine, and divide NATO unity from within.

But Younger believes this tactic may have hit its limit:

“Trump doesn’t like to be made a fool of. And if Putin keeps pushing, he may get something he wasn’t expecting — resistance.”

With Trump’s rhetoric growing harsher and his administration preparing a new military support package, it appears the former president is re-evaluating his stance toward a leader he once praised — and now seems to distrust.