Democrats Call Out Putin
Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) is lashing out at President Donald Trump, claiming the commander-in-chief was “played” by Vladimir Putin during Friday’s Alaska summit. The Democrat senator insisted Trump showed weakness, accusing him of letting Russia off easy instead of hammering Moscow with tougher penalties.
Democrats Demand More War Spending
Appearing on CNN, Blumenthal argued that the only way to deal with Putin is through “strength.” He pushed for billions more in U.S. military aid to Ukraine — missiles, long-range artillery, and interceptors for Patriot systems — along with crushing sanctions on Russia through his joint bill with Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.).
Critics note that Democrats seem more eager to bankroll foreign wars than to focus on issues at home, including border security, inflation, and the struggling American middle class.
Trump Calls Talks “Productive”
President Trump, by contrast, described the bilateral meeting as “productive,” stressing that peace cannot be rushed. He said negotiations must be carefully structured to ensure stability before any agreement is finalized.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is expected at the White House Monday, fueling speculation about whether Trump can broker a deal the Biden years never achieved.
War Continues Despite Diplomacy
While leaders met in Alaska, the battlefield stayed hot. Ukraine launched drone attacks against southern Russia, while Kremlin forces pressed their offensive in eastern Donetsk earlier this week.
Blumenthal, who recently met with Zelensky, bristled when Trump referred to Putin as a “friend.” He claimed his “stomach turned,” calling Putin a “war criminal” responsible for civilian massacres and child kidnappings.
Sanctions and Tariffs: Trump Holds the Line
Blumenthal and Graham’s bipartisan proposal seeks to punish Russia’s trading partners, including China, Brazil, and India, for continuing to purchase oil from Moscow. President Trump has held off on sweeping financial crackdowns, but he has increased tariffs on India as tensions rise in Eastern Europe.
Graham: A Deal Could End War by Christmas
Offering cautious optimism, Sen. Graham suggested peace could come sooner than many expect.
“If Trump, Zelensky, and Putin meet together, I am optimistic this war could end before Christmas,” Graham said Friday.
