'Bizarre scene': Critics seize on Trump's contradictory message on Russia

Social media users pointed out Friday how disconnected President Donald Trump's Oval Office message was on ending the war between Russia and Ukraine, essentially saying that Russian "might makes right."

ABC News captured the contradictory nature of Trump's comments in a post on X when it wrote that, "Pressed on if Russian Pres. Putin is taking advantage of America's pause on intel and military aid to Ukraine, Pres. Trump says: "He's doing what anyone else would do. I think he's hitting them harder. He wants to get it ended."

The contradictory message wasn't lost on progressive social media influencer @Acyn who wrote, "Just a bizarre scene in The White House as Trump says Putin is hitting Ukraine harder than before but also says Putin wants it to end."

Eastern European media outlet NEXTA posted, "So, let’s sum it up — Trump delivered an unscheduled address from the Oval Office. Here’s the key takeaways: Trump trusts Putin — he wants peace and an end to the war. Putin is doing what anyone in his place would do — bombing harder and taking advantage of the fact that the U.S. has restricted Ukraine’s access to intelligence and halted military aid. Dealing with Ukraine is much harder. And besides, “they have no cards to play.” Security guarantees? Before Trump even thinks about that, he wants to end the war first. And in general, “Ukraine needs to step up and do its job.” Oh, and very soon, something will happen with Iran — and we’ll hear about it."

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@FLVoiceNews was struck by Trump's mysterious tone when he claimed only he knew what Russia was up to.

Earlier Friday, Trump admitted that he still needs to convince Russia to stop the violence, suggesting implementing sanctions and tariffs.

Trump posted to Truth Social, "Based on the fact that Russia is absolutely 'pounding' Ukraine on the battlefield right now, I am strongly considering large scale Banking Sanctions, Sanctions, and Tariffs on Russia until a Cease Fire and FINAL SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT ON PEACE IS REACHED. To Russia and Ukraine, get to the table right now, before it is too late. Thank you!!!"