In a bold claim, former President Donald Trump argues that his strong rhetoric and unpredictable stance would have made Vladimir Putin think twice before invading Ukraine. According to Trump, he once warned Putin directly of severe repercussions, even saying he’d “blow up Moscow” if Russia dared to attack Ukraine. Unlike President Joe Biden, whose clear message of “no boots on the ground” removed ambiguity, Trump insists his approach kept adversaries uncertain and deterred aggression. Experts, however, are split—some believe unpredictability can be effective, while others argue that diplomatic clarity better ensures peace.
Trump’s assertion, whether theatrical or genuine, underscores the deep divisions over U.S. foreign policy strategies, with Republicans often favoring hardline stances and Democrats opting for calculated diplomacy. In the wake of Russia’s invasion, the debate over how the U.S. could have prevented the crisis remains a polarizing topic, illustrating the complex balance between deterrence and diplomatic restraint.
