WATCH: After call with Putin, Trump says Ukraine is defeated ‘militarily’

(WASHINGTON) – Donald Trump declared that Ukraine is defeated “militarily” following a telephone conversation with the Russian dictator, in an apparent verbal blunder where he seemed to confuse Ukraine with Iran while parroting Kremlin talking points about the strength of Moscow’s forces.

Speaking to reporters, Trump said he had a “good talk” with Vladimir Putin and suggested the Russian dictator was eager to help end conflicts. “We talked about more about the war in Ukraine, but he would like to be of help. I said before you help me, I want to end your war,” Trump stated. He added, “I think he was ready to make a deal a while ago. I think some people made it difficult for him to make a deal.”

When asked which conflict would conclude first, the war in Ukraine or the war in Iran, Trump offered a rambling response that blurred the two nations. “That is an interesting question. I do not know. Maybe they are on a similar timetable. I think Ukraine militarily they are defeated,” he said.

He then proceeded to describe a military force that had lost 159 ships, with every vessel “right now underwater,” and an air force where “every one of their airplanes has been shut down or has been decimated.” Trump claimed that 82 per cent of missiles were gone, most drones were destroyed, and “most of the factories are mostly gone.”

The description matches Iran’s military capabilities, not Ukraine’s. Ukraine possesses no navy of 159 ships and its air force remains operational. Trump continued, “Their economy is crashing. Their money is valueless. They have got inflation that nobody has ever seen before.” He then mocked the media, saying, “If you read the New York Times, you would say they are doing wonderfully because it is fake news.”

International affairs expert and candidate of political sciences Stanislav Zhelikhovskyi warned that such statements reflect a pattern where the Russian dictator successfully manipulates Trump’s public rhetoric. “We must understand that such communications happen from time to time, and, unfortunately, we cannot influence them. These are two states conducting a dialogue between themselves. But the problem is that after such conversations, Donald Trump’s rhetoric often changes, and, as a rule, not in Ukraine’s favour,” Zhelikhovskyi told UNN. “Often, he effectively retransmits those narratives that are beneficial to the Kremlin.”

The expert noted that the real content of the negotiations remains unknown and public information is only a portion of what is discussed. He argued that Russia is actively using the dialogue with Washington to influence the US position on the war, extending beyond Ukraine into broader geopolitical contexts including the Middle East and the Iranian nuclear issue.

“There are signs that Russia is trying to increasingly influence the American president and effectively impose its own rules of the game in the context of a peaceful settlement. Putin uses tools that may look like steps forward to Trump, for example, proposals regarding participation in settling the situation around Iran or the nuclear programme. This creates an illusion of constructiveness, but in reality, it is an attempt to shift the balance in global politics in Moscow’s favour,” Zhelikhovskyi explained.

He cautioned that the Kremlin could use perceived successes in other areas to extract concessions regarding Ukraine. The expert also highlighted the internal political calendar in the United States, specifically the midterm elections to Congress, as a factor making Trump eager to demonstrate tangible results. “Trump is interested in showing successes, both in foreign policy and in security issues. It is important for him to demonstrate that he is capable of reaching agreements. And here Russia can play on this, creating the appearance of cooperation. But for Ukraine, this is a risk, because such agreements may take place at our expense.”

Commenting on the visit of King Charles III of the United Kingdom to the US, Zhelikhovskyi did not rule out that it could have been a factor in the intensification of contacts between Moscow and Washington. London traditionally maintains a firm pro-Ukrainian stance, which causes concern in the Kremlin. “It cannot be ruled out that this call could have been related to the visit of Charles III. Great Britain consistently supports Ukraine, and Russia sees this as a threat. Accordingly, Moscow may try to neutralise this influence through Washington by strengthening its own communication with Trump.”

The expert categorically rejected any strategy of waiting for a change of power in the United States. “We should not wait for a better US president. We do not know who will be next and what their policy will be. Ukraine needs to strengthen work in the American direction, in the European direction, and also expand its presence in the world, in the Middle East, Africa, and other regions. We must offer partnership, develop the economy, and strengthen the state.”

Zhelikhovskyi warned that Trump’s public statements pose a separate threat because they shape distorted perceptions of the war among American society. “Even if his entourage later explains or corrects these words, the effect is already there. An average American may not understand the details, but he hears that Ukraine is losing. And this affects public opinion. And the Kremlin actively uses this, both for internal propaganda and to strengthen its positions.”

He concluded that such informational signals can have long term consequences for the support Ukraine receives from its partners, framing the current situation as part of a broader geopolitical struggle where Russia seeks to exploit any opening to pressure Ukraine, particularly through influencing the US position.

In a separate report, UNN noted that Trump had stated Putin was ready to make a deal a long time ago but “some people” prevented him. The US president said he had suggested a small truce and that Putin “might go for it.” Trump recounted telling the Russian dictator, “Before you help me, I want to end your war.”

A Russian official, Ushakov, subsequently stated that Putin is ready to declare a truce for Victory Day.