McMaster: Despite intensifying Ukrainian attacks, Putin still cannot “play Trump”
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Russian President Vladimir Putin is intensifying his attack on Ukraine, despite previously sending a signal to President Donald Trump that peace may be in the seat.
But a former Trump adviser said Putin’s strategy is unlikely to succeed.
“I don’t think he can play Donald Trump,” General McMaster, who served as Trump’s national security adviser from 2017 to 2018, told the “Brian Kilmead Show” Wednesday.
“You saw what happened to the Iranians. He gave them 60 days, right? They went 61 days and he acted.”
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MOSCOW, Russia – June 22 (Russia) (Russia) Russian President Vladimir Putin stucco held a wreath ceremony along the graves of unknown soldiers in Alexander Garden on the wall of the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia on June 22, 2025. (Photo by contributor/Getty Images) (Getty Image)
Russia launched its largest air strike against Ukraine since the war began this week, marking an escalation of the conflict. McMaster said it was part of Putin’s attempt to project power and reshape his image.
McMaster told the “Brian Kilmead Show”: “It’s Putin’s trick. He’s trying to look strong.”
“He threw all this in now because he doesn’t think we have the will to support Ukraine.”
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The Hague, Netherlands – June 25: U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy meet during the NATO National and Government Summit in The Hague, Netherlands on June 25, 2025. (Getty Images/Zelenskiy/Official/Telecom Account/)
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The Pentagon suspended some weapons to Ukraine, and the growth of Russian aggression emerged. Abandoned deals include Patriot missile interceptors and shells. It is reasonable for U.S. officials to blame delays on delays and fear that the U.S. may need them to defend themselves.
McMaster believes Putin is projecting power, but the Russian leader is much weaker than he seems.
“Putin has indeed been hurt in terms of his economic situation,” he said. “He didn’t have the ability to pull that much out of the ATM,” noting that the decline in oil prices and the decline in military spending have caused losses to Russia’s economy.
According to McMaster, these developments could prompt Trump to take a firmer stance if peace talks continue to shake.
“President Trump is [going to] It is time to put more pressure on Putin, including maintaining support for the Ukrainians. ”
Last month, Trump proposed to take a step back in the ceasefire negotiations, comparing Russia and Ukraine to two fighting children. He suggested that the United States take a step back in the negotiations until both countries are willing to come to the dining table.
“Sometimes, it’s better to have them fight for a while and then pull them away,” Trump said in early June.
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Some leaders have refuted the president’s strategy, saying that U.S. support is crucial to the Ukrainian resistance. On Wednesday, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte stressed that Ukraine would not be able to win without U.S. aid.
“Safe Europe also means a safe one for us,” Rutt told Fox and Friends. The Dutch leader also pointed out that larger Russia, closer to Europe, could pose more risks to US interests.
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