“Spare Us His Crocodile Tears”: US President Donald Trump Flags Editorial Critical of Putin

US President Donald Trump has sent out a strong political signal by sharing a sharply critical editorial on Russian President Vladimir Putin, a move that underlines Washington's growing frustration with Moscow over stalled peace efforts in Ukraine.

Trump reposted the opinion piece from the New York Post on social media on Wednesday without adding his own comment. However, the choice of editorial and its blunt language made it clear that the US President is no longer willing to gloss over what the paper describes as Russian obstructionism.

Editorial highlights setback after peace optimism

The Post editorial points to President Trump's positive assessment earlier this week following his meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, where the US leader expressed hope that a peace deal could be within reach.

That optimism, the paper argues, suffered a major blow after Trump's phone call with Putin on Monday. During the conversation, Putin claimed that Ukrainian drones had targeted one of his residences and informed Trump that Russia would revise its negotiating position. Ukraine has categorically denied the allegation.

Questioning Moscow's account, the editorial states that "on cue, Russian dictator Vladimir Putin chose lies, hatred, and death instead."

Intelligence briefing raises doubts over Russian claims

Sources familiar with the developments said CIA Director John Ratcliffe briefed President Trump on US intelligence related to the alleged drone attack before he shared the Post editorial casting doubt on Russia's claims.

The Wall Street Journal has also reported that US national security officials are sceptical of Moscow's version of events. A CIA assessment reportedly found no evidence that any such attack on Putin's residence had taken place.

The editorial argues that the episode appears aimed at creating a pretext to slow down or derail peace talks rather than move them forward.

'Opposing Trump's agenda' globally

Beyond Ukraine, the Post lists Russia's backing of Iran and support for Venezuela's leadership to argue that "across the world, Russia is opposing Trump's agenda."

"Just as he did in Alaska, Putin was offered peace and instead spat in America's eye," the editorial says, adding that "Vladimir Putin is not an honest broker who can see reason, nor a business opportunity to be unlocked."

Calling for a tougher line, it adds, "The answer should not be more concessions, but a bigger stick. Kyiv has done its part. The onus should be on Putin to step up or face more stringent sanctions and more deadly weapons in Ukraine."

Trump reacts as editorial rejects Moscow's narrative

Ukraine has dismissed the drone attack claims as a Russian fabrication intended to undermine negotiations. President Trump, however, told reporters earlier this week that he was "very angry" about the reported incident.

"It's one thing to be offensive, because they're offensive," Trump said. "It's another thing to attack his house. It's not the right time to do any of that."

The Post editorial flatly rejects Russia's explanation, arguing that "common sense points to an invented or embellished narrative to give Russia an excuse to reject Trump's progress."

It concludes with a pointed message to the US President: "Spare us his crocodile tears and turn up the heat."