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President Donald Trump appeared to signal his displeasure with Russian President Vladimir Putin by sharing a New York Post editorial that sharply criticizes the Kremlin and argues that Trump should “turn up the heat” on Russia.
Trump shared the editorial without additional comment in a social-media post on Wednesday titled, “Putin ‘attack’ hoax shows Russia stands in the way of peace.”
The editorial highlights Trump’s optimism after meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on progress toward a peace deal earlier this week and after a call between the US leader and Putin on Monday dealt a blow to those hopes. Putin informed Trump that Russia would revise its negotiating position in the talks, claiming that a Ukrainian drone had targeted one of his residences.
The editorial cast doubt on Russia’s allegations, which Ukraine refutes, saying that “on cue, Russian dictator Vladimir Putin chose lies, hatred and death instead.”
And it makes a case for increasing penalties on Russia in the personal context of the President.
“As he did in Alaska, Putin was offered peace and in return he pulled the wool over America’s eyes,” the Post editorial reads, adding, “Vladimir Putin is not an honest broker who can see reason, nor a business opportunity he can open up.”
The newspaper lists Russia’s support for Iran, as well as its support for Venezuela’s leadership, to argue that “Around the world, Russia is opposing Trump’s agenda.”
“The answer should not be more concessions, but a bigger stick,” the editorial said. “Kiev has done its job. The onus should be on Putin to step up or face tougher sanctions and more lethal weapons in Ukraine.”
Ukraine has denied allegations of the attack, calling it a Russian fabrication aimed at derailing peace talks. However, Trump told reporters earlier this week that he was “very angry” about the alleged incident.
“It’s one thing to be aggressive, because they are aggressive,” Trump said. “It’s another thing to attack their house. This is not the right time to do anything like that.”
The newspaper’s editorial flatly rejected Russia’s explanation of the events, arguing that “common sense points to an invented or embellished narrative to give Russia an excuse to reject Trump’s advances.”
The Post concludes its editorial: “Save us her crocodile tears and turn up the heat.”
This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without any modifications to the text.
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