WASHINGTON D.C. / KYIV — The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has seen a significant escalation in Russian aggression, with widespread drone and missile attacks across Ukrainian cities, even as a startling new audio recording has surfaced, shedding light on a previously undisclosed threat made by then-candidate Donald Trump to Russian President Vladimir Putin. This convergence of intensified hostilities and a controversial revelation from the past adds a complex and volatile dimension to the protracted war.
Over the past week, Russia has unleashed some of its most intense barrages since the full-scale invasion began in 2022. Cities across Ukraine, including Chernivtsi in the southwest, Lviv in the west, and Kharkiv in the northeast, have been pummeled by hundreds of drones and cruise missiles. Ukrainian officials reported significant casualties, including fatalities, and widespread damage to civilian infrastructure, including a maternity hospital in Kharkiv. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has condemned the bombardments as a "clear escalation of terror" and renewed calls for swift action, including tougher sanctions against countries aiding Moscow's war machine and more advanced air defense systems for Ukraine.
Amidst these heightened tensions, a leaked audio clip from a private fundraiser, first reported by CNN and subsequently by other major news outlets, has sent shockwaves through political circles. The recording allegedly captures President Donald Trump recounting a private conversation with Vladimir Putin, where Trump claimed he directly threatened to "bomb the [expletive] out of Moscow" if Russia were to invade Ukraine. Trump is reportedly heard stating that while Putin might not have entirely believed him, the threat held enough credibility ("he believed me 10%") to deter an invasion at that time.
This revelation, stemming from a new book, offers a rare glimpse into Trump's unconventional "strongman" diplomacy. During the fundraiser, Trump reportedly used this anecdote to argue that his aggressive and unpredictable negotiating style was what successfully prevented major global conflicts under his watch, specifically contrasting it with the current war in Ukraine. He also allegedly made a similar threat to Chinese President Xi Jinping regarding Taiwan.
The timing of this audio leak is particularly poignant, coinciding with Russia's stepped-up aerial attacks and a stalled U.S.-led ceasefire negotiation effort for Ukraine. President Trump has recently expressed "frustration" with Putin, stating that the Russian leader is "not treating human beings right" and is "killing too many people." This shift in tone comes after a period where Trump had previously signaled a desire to quickly end the conflict and had even ordered a temporary "pause" in some U.S. weapons shipments to Ukraine, a decision that caused consternation among allies and was subsequently reversed.
While Trump's administration has resumed sending defensive weapons to Ukraine, including 155mm munitions and precision-guided rockets, the consistency and scale of future military aid remain a subject of debate. Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently confirmed that the U.S. and Russia have exchanged "new ideas" for peace talks, yet the chasm between Kyiv's demands for full territorial integrity and Moscow's current gains remains wide.
The leaked audio, whether a genuine deterrent at the time or a retrospective boast, adds a layer of complexity to the already intricate U.S.-Russia relationship. It highlights the deeply personal nature of Trump's diplomatic approach and raises questions about its long-term implications for international stability, especially as the conflict in Ukraine continues to exact a heavy toll.
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