Trump says Putin “fears US, not Europe” as Russia escalates strikes on Ukraine

US President Donald Trump escalated his criticism of Europe on January 8, asserting that Vladimir Putin “fears the US” but not European governments. His latest remarks, directed at Washington’s closest allies, suggested that Europe lacks the influence to deter the Kremlin.

Speaking to reporters, Trump dismissed the idea that the United States might launch an operation to capture the Russian leader similar to the mission that resulted in the detention of Nicolás Maduro earlier this month. He said such a step would “not be necessary”.

“Putin is not afraid of Europe. He's afraid of the United States of America as led by me. There's no fear of Europe,” Trump declared.

He went on to repeat his long-standing claims that Europe has “fallen behind,” arguing that some parts of the continent are “not recognisable” due to immigration. Trump and political figures aligned with his Make America Great Again movement have repeatedly expressed support for far-right parties in Europe.

His comments coincided with Russia’s launch of its new Oreshnik hypersonic ballistic missile at Ukraine, which struck a location roughly 60 miles from Poland, a NATO member state. Moscow said the missile launch was carried out in response to an alleged Ukrainian drone attempt on one of Putin’s residences — an incident Kyiv insists never occurred. European leaders condemned Russia’s strike as a “clear escalation,” warning that its purpose was to “instil fear”.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian officials reported that an overnight wave of Russian drone and missile attacks on Friday left nearly 6,000 apartment buildings without heating in Kyiv. At least four people were killed, and more than 20 others were injured in the strikes, according to the authorities.

By Tamilla Hasanova