Donald Trump's 'underlying goal' revealed as war of words with Vladimir Putin continues

Donald Trump's "underlying goal" with Vladimir Putin has been revealed as the leaders continue to ridicule each other and the peace process in Ukraine stalls. The US president's relationship with his Russian counterpart appears to be fracturing as he grows increasingly tired with Putin's unwillingness to engage in ceasefire negotiations. Most recently, he gave Moscow a two-week warning to take peace talks seriously or his administration would "respond a little differently".

Nicholas Drummond, defence analyst and strategic consultant, said that the Republican is trying to drive a wedge between Russia and China, though questions remain as to whether this is an effective strategy. He told the Express: "When it comes to Vladimir Putin’s views of Trump, Putin clearly thinks he can manipulate Trump to achieve his political goals. It is doubtful whether Putin respects his US counterpart.

"While there are genuine concerns about Trump’s character, beliefs, and policy, his underlying goal is to pull Russia away from China. As well intentioned as this may be, it could be naive if not unachievable."

The former British Army officer also accused Mr Trump of being vain, petty, and petulant, though he does have a "genuine desire" to aid his country.

He said: "On one hand, he has bold ideas borne from a genuine desire to achieve the best possible outcomes for America, but this contrasts with his vanity, pettiness, and petulance."

Mr Trump and Putin have recently been embroiled in a dispute over the war in Ukraine and the struggle to bring about lasting peace.

This began when the US president called his Russian counterpart "absolutely crazy" following devastating drone strikes in Ukraine, which targeted civilians.

He wrote on his platform, Truth Social: "I’ve always had a very good relationship with Vladimir Putin of Russia, but something has happened to him. He has gone absolutely CRAZY! He is needlessly killing a lot of people, and I’m not just talking about soldiers.

"Missiles and drones are being shot into Cities in Ukraine, for no reason whatsoever. I’ve always said that he wants ALL of Ukraine, not just a piece of it, and maybe that’s proving to be right, but if he does, it will lead to the downfall of Russia!"

The Kremlin responded by ridiculing him for experiencing an "emotional overload". Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said: "These statements are linked to emotional overload. This is a decisive moment, and emotions are running high."

Russia launched the biggest drone assault of the war, firing 355 drones on Sunday night, according to Ukrainian officials.

That strike followed a previous wave involving 298 drones and 69 missiles, making it the most intense phase of Moscow’s aerial campaign since the full-scale invasion began more than three years ago.