Putin playing Biden like a drum – Trump

US: In a sudden 180-degree from his previous stance, former US President Donald Trump has condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine as “appalling” and hit out at the Biden administration for not standing up to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

“The Russian attack on Ukraine is appalling. It’s an outrage and an atrocity that should never have happened. It never would have occurred… We are praying for the proud people of Ukraine,” said Trump at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Florida.

While praising Ukrainian President Volodmyr Zelensky as brave, Trump also underscored his friendly relationship with Vladimir Putin, claiming the invasion would not have happened with him in the White House.

The former US President blamed his successor Joe Biden for letting Putin get away with the attack on Ukraine, which he described as a “travesty” and “an assault on humanity”. “It’s so sad. Putin is playing Biden like a drum, it’s not a pretty thing … to watch,” added Trump.

Earlier this week, before the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine, Trump had termed Putin’s decision to recognise the neighbouring nation’s rebel-held regions as “independent” as a “genius” move.

– INDIA TODAY