Ukrainians allege Melania Trump is an 'undercover agent' who made president turn on Putin

In a surprising revelation, President Donald Trump credited First Lady Melania Trump with playing a crucial role in changing his view of Russian President Vladimir Putin. Trump, who once spoke warmly of Putin, now says it was repeated private warnings from Melania that led him to see the Russian leader differently.

“I go home, I tell the First Lady: I spoke with Vladimir today. We had a wonderful conversation,” Trump recalled. “She said: Really? Another city was just hit.”

Trump recounted how Melania would quietly challenge his optimistic assessments of Russia’s intentions, pointing out attacks on Ukrainian civilians even as peace talks appeared to make progress. “We thought we had a deal numerous times,” Trump said. “Then I'd turn on the television or she'd say, ‘They just bombed a nursing home.’”

Trump claims Putin undermined peace talks on multiple occasions by launching renewed strikes, and his remarks signal a more critical stance toward the Kremlin.

Following his comments, Melania Trump has drawn unexpected praise on Ukrainian social media. Memes portraying her as an “undercover agent”—dubbed “Agent Melania Trumpenko”—quickly went viral. One post jokingly suggested she had done more for Ukraine “than the entire GOP,” reflecting growing appreciation for her perceived behind-the-scenes role.

Business Ukraine magazine even shared artwork of Melania being “honored” with traditional Ukrainian regalia, with users affectionately dubbing her a quiet ally in Ukraine’s ongoing fight for sovereignty.

Meanwhile, the president made headlines again with an unplanned late-night interview. BBC political correspondent Gary O'Donoghue described how he was awakened by a surprise phone call from the White House. “Hi, Gary, I’m here with the president. Here you go,” said Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, passing the phone to Trump.

In the impromptu 20-minute conversation, Trump discussed the failed assassination attempt against him last year, his views on NATO, and shifting dynamics with world leaders. When asked whether the shooting had changed him, Trump reflected: “I like the power of positive thinking—or the power of positive non-thinking.”