Former US President Donald Trump has unleashed a scathing attack on Russian leader Vladimir Putin following his eyebrow-raising interview with Tucker Carlson. In a fiery outburst, Trump branded Putin "a killer" and "a thug", reigniting their long-standing feud.
The explosive comments came after Putin's two-hour sit-down with former Fox News host Carlson, where the Russian president made several controversial claims about Ukraine and NATO expansion. Trump didn't hold back in his criticism, telling a radio host: "He's a killer. He's a thug. He's a bad guy - really bad."
Trump's Explosive Remarks
Trump's blistering assessment marks a stark contrast to his previous praise of the Russian leader. While president, Trump had frequently complimented Putin's leadership, once famously saying: "He's very smart."
The about-face has left political analysts scratching their heads. "This is classic Trump - completely unpredictable," said one Washington insider. "One minute he's praising Putin's genius, the next he's calling him a cold-blooded killer."
Putin's Controversial Interview
Putin's interview with Carlson, the first with Western media since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, has drawn widespread criticism. The Russian leader used the platform to justify his actions in Ukraine and spread disinformation about the conflict.
Key moments from the interview included:
- Putin's revisionist history lesson about Ukraine
- Claims that NATO expansion forced his hand
- Dismissal of Western concerns about political repression
Media watchdogs have condemned Carlson for giving Putin an unchallenged platform to spread propaganda. "This wasn't journalism - it was a PR exercise for the Kremlin," said one media analyst.
Political Fallout
Trump's outburst has complicated an already tense geopolitical situation. With the US presidential election looming, foreign policy towards Russia remains a hot-button issue.
Some Republicans have welcomed Trump's tougher stance, while Democrats remain skeptical. "After years of cozying up to Putin, this sudden change of heart reeks of election-year posturing," said one Democratic strategist.
As the war in Ukraine enters its third year, the verbal sparring between two of the world's most controversial leaders shows no signs of abating.
