Trump Calls Putin a "Lying Loser" Considering Supporting Strong Sanctions Against Russia

During a Cabinet meeting at the White House on Tuesday, former President Donald Trump shocked public opinion by calling Russian President Vladimir Putin – whom he once referred to as a "good friend" – a "useless liar," while also stating that he is "very seriously" considering supporting a tough slashing bill targeting Russia's energy sector. The bill to punish Russia: Is Trump about to give the "green light"? The slashing bill has been drafted for months and has received broad support from both the Republican and Democratic parties in the U.S. Congress. However, Republican leaders have so far been waiting for clear guidance from Donald Trump before pushing it through. In a statement on Tuesday, Trump said: "I am considering that. This is an optional bill. They only pass it if I allow. And ending it is also completely up to me. And I am looking at it very seriously." If passed, the bill will impose high taxes on countries importing energy from Russia and target any foreign companies that support Russia in oil and gas production – a significant blow to the Russian economy, which heavily relies on energy exports. From soft to hard: Trump changes his attitude towards Putin Trump's attitude towards Putin has shown clear signs of change in recent months. Previously, during a meeting with the German Chancellor, he criticized the bill as "too strict" and told allies privately that the slashing would not be effective in changing Putin's behavior. However, remarks on Tuesday indicated a marked shift. A nameless White House official revealed that Trump's "pivot" may be aimed at increasing leverage over Putin, rather than a firm commitment to signing the bill. The relationship between Trump and Putin is at a low point. Trump once hoped that the Russian leader would quickly help end the war in Ukraine – a hope that has not materialized. Instead of cooperating, Putin has refused to attend the peace conference in Istanbul organized by the US, and has increased attacks on Kyiv as well as many other cities in Ukraine. "I don't understand what the hell is going on with Putin," Trump said in May, later writing on social media that: "He has completely GONE CRAZY." This is not the first time Trump has expressed disappointment, but it is the clearest indication that the relationship between the two has severely deteriorated. Breaking ties: Trump accuses Putin of "lying", promises to resume aid to Ukraine Tensions reached a boiling point after a more than hour-long phone call between Trump and Putin last week. According to Trump, the conversation "did not go well." "We had to listen to a lot of nonsense from Putin, if you want to know the truth," he said angrily. Notably, that statement came just one day after Trump announced he would resume the transfer of military aid to Ukraine – which had been paused last week due to concerns about the shortage of U.S. weaponry. The U.S. Department of Defense has conducted an assessment suggesting that continuing aid could affect the combat readiness of the U.S. military. When asked if he was informed in advance about the decision to pause, Trump replied: "I don't know. You guys go ask them." This ambiguity raises many questions about who is really behind the decision to stop aid – in the context of Russia continuing its airstrikes and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy continuously calling for more support from the West. The bill is not yet signed, pressure has increased. Although Trump has not yet signed the slashing bill, his change in stance has put significant pressure on Congress. Amid the escalating conflict in Ukraine, the interruption of U.S. military aid, and the low point in U.S.-Russia relations, Trump's tough rhetoric sends a clear message: he is no longer willing to be patient with Putin as before. The outcome of the slashing bill is still a mystery, but the U.S. political scene has felt a clear change from the person who once proudly considered himself "Putin's friend." And it seems that this time, Trump is truly preparing to take action.