Russian President Vladimir Putin praised U.S. President-elect Donald Trump as a “capable and intelligent politician” while voicing grave concerns about his safety following several assassination attempts. At the same time, Putin warned of the deployment of Russia’s formidable Oreshnik missiles, heightening tensions over the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Putin’s Praise and Warnings for Trump
During a press conference in Kazakhstan, Putin expressed admiration for Donald Trump’s political acumen, suggesting the former U.S. president has the potential to negotiate a resolution to the war in Ukraine. However, Putin’s comments took a chilling turn as he highlighted assassination attempts targeting Trump during his campaign, including a July incident in Pennsylvania where Trump was grazed by a bullet and another at Mar-A-Lago in September.
Putin condemned these attacks as “absolutely uncivilized” and emphasized the precariousness of Trump’s safety. “Despite his intelligence and experience, Trump remains at risk. I urge him to stay vigilant,” Putin stated. He also speculated on the Biden administration’s escalating support for Ukraine, suggesting it might be an effort to entangle Trump in strained U.S.-Russia relations should he return to power.
Trump has repeatedly claimed he could end the war within 24 hours of assuming office, though the specifics of his plan remain undisclosed.
Oreshnik Missile Threat Looms Over Kyiv
On a graver note, Putin issued a stark warning to Ukraine, revealing the potential deployment of Russia’s advanced Oreshnik intermediate-range missiles. Used recently in Dnipro, these missiles are described as nearly impervious to air defense systems and capable of carrying multiple warheads, including nuclear payloads.
“We do not rule out using the Oreshnik missiles against military facilities, industrial targets, or decision-making centers, including Kyiv,” Putin declared. The missiles, he added, possess destructive power comparable to nuclear strikes when deployed repeatedly on a single target, although they are not currently armed with nuclear warheads.
This escalation follows the West’s provision of long-range missiles to Ukraine, a move Putin perceives as retaliation for Russia’s aggressive military actions.
A Crossroads of Diplomacy and Escalation
While Putin reiterated Moscow’s openness to dialogue, his dual narrative of supporting Trump and threatening Kyiv underscores a complex geopolitical chessboard. His remarks reflect a blend of veiled support for Trump’s potential return to office and an unyielding stance on military dominance in Ukraine.
As the world watches these developments, Putin’s calculated messaging offers insight into Russia’s strategic priorities while further complicating the global diplomatic landscape.