US President Donald Trump has shaken global headlines once again — this time over a leaked audio tape in which he allegedly threatened to “bomb the s*** out of Moscow” if Russian President Vladimir Putin invaded Ukraine. The recording, which surfaced through CNN, reportedly captures Trump speaking to wealthy donors in 2024 — before assuming office for a second term.
In the tape, Trump tells the group: “With Putin I said, ‘If you go into Ukraine, I’m going to bomb the s*** out of Moscow.’ … He didn’t believe me — maybe 10%.”
The leaked remarks have triggered outrage and speculation across diplomatic circles. Trump also claimed to have issued a similar threat to Chinese President Xi Jinping regarding Taiwan, although timelines for these alleged conversations remain unclear.
The Kremlin dismissed the audio as fabricated, with spokesman Dmitry Peskov saying: “There were no telephone conversations then. Trump wasn’t even president at the time.” Despite the denial, the incident has reignited tensions around the US-Russia relationship and questioned Trump’s approach to foreign policy.
Trump Approves Major Military Aid to Ukraine
Amid the controversy, Trump announced a significant military move that could shift the dynamics of the ongoing war in Ukraine. Speaking to reporters on Sunday, July 13, he confirmed that the US will supply Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine — a long-standing request from Kyiv.
“They desperately need them,” Trump said. “I haven’t agreed on the number yet, but they’re going to have some because they do need protection.”
Patriot systems, known for their radar-guided interception of aircraft, missiles, and drones, are among the most advanced in the world. A single system can cost up to $1 billion — a combination of the $400 million launcher and nearly $690 million worth of missiles, according to Reuters.
Trump added that this delivery is part of a broader NATO deal in which allied nations will fully reimburse the US for the equipment. “They’re going to pay us 100 percent,” he stated. “This isn’t charity. It’s strategic.”
Trump Criticizes Putin, Signals Shift in Tone
The move marks a notable shift in Trump’s tone towards Vladimir Putin. While previously criticized for being too soft on the Russian leader, Trump recently took a harder stance.
“I’m not happy with Putin. I can tell you that much,” Trump said during a press conference after a cabinet meeting last week. “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.”
This isn’t the first time Trump has claimed he could end the Russia-Ukraine war “in 24 hours” if re-elected. But with the leaked tape and the new weapons deal making waves, observers say the former president may now be repositioning himself on the international stage ahead of his second term.
As Ukraine prepares to receive the much-needed air defense systems, the world watches closely — not just for the delivery of weapons, but for what Trump’s bold rhetoric and actions mean for future US foreign policy.
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