Trump Puts The Squeeze On Putin
Washington, D.C. — President Donald J. Trump has once again sent the world stage into motion — and this time, even the Kremlin is shaking.
Former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Bill Taylor told Newsmax that Russian President Vladimir Putin “panicked” after Trump suggested that the United States could send Tomahawk cruise missiles to Ukraine — a move that would instantly raise the stakes and pressure Moscow to end its brutal war.
“When President Trump mentioned the idea of sending Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine, it clearly sent Putin into a panic,” Taylor said during his appearance on The Count.
These Tomahawk missiles can strike targets more than 1,500 miles away, giving Ukraine the ability to reach deep into Russian territory — something Putin cannot afford to ignore.
🇺🇸 Trump’s Strength Leaves Putin on Edge
According to Taylor, Putin immediately reached out to Trump in a private phone call, urging him to “think carefully” about sending the long-range missiles.
But Trump didn’t back down.
“President Trump still has the missiles on the table,” Taylor said. “He can use that leverage to force Putin toward a deal that ends this war. That’s exactly what he said he wants to do — apply pressure until Moscow backs down.”
The former ambassador said Trump’s strategy blends diplomatic pressure and military strength, a signature approach that kept America respected — and feared — during his first term.
⚔️ Diplomacy Through Power — the Trump Doctrine in Action
Unlike the Biden administration’s weak, confusing posture, Trump’s foreign policy has always relied on peace through strength.
Even the threat of sending Tomahawk missiles, Taylor said, has already shifted Moscow’s tone and opened the door to serious peace talks.
During his recent meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Trump signaled he’s leaning against immediately selling the missiles — but he expressed optimism that the war may soon end thanks to new American pressure.
Zelenskyy reportedly offered a drone-for-missile exchange, proposing that Ukraine share its cutting-edge drone technology with the U.S. in return for Tomahawk cruise missiles — a deal that would send a loud message to Moscow: Putin’s time is running out.
“If Putin shows up for the planned peace summit, that’s a sign the pressure is working,” Taylor said.
💰 Congress Moves to Tighten the Noose on Russia
Meanwhile, Washington lawmakers are lining up behind Trump’s tougher posture.
“The Senate has 85 co-sponsors — strong bipartisan support — to impose new sanctions on nations that keep buying Russian oil,” Taylor noted.
He also pointed out that over $300 billion in Russian central bank funds are currently frozen in Western banks — money that could be redirected to help Ukraine stay afloat for years.
“These steps make it clear to Putin — he can’t wait us out,” Taylor emphasized.
🦅 Analysis: Trump’s Bold Strategy Restores American Leadership
For many conservatives, Trump’s approach is a reminder of what real leadership looks like.
By combining economic pressure, military strength, and tough diplomacy, President Trump is once again showing the world that America leads best when it leads from strength — not weakness.
While critics wring their hands, Trump’s message to Putin is unmistakable:
Back down — or face consequences you can’t afford.
