Russian President Vladimir Putin has made a bold declaration, asserting that he can “finish off” Ukraine’s armed forces, a statement that appears to directly challenge U.S. President Donald Trump’s influence over the ongoing conflict.
This provocative rhetoric coincided with Putin boarding the Arkhangelsk, a nuclear-powered submarine cruiser, and the unleashing of fresh military strikes on Ukrainian targets, intensifying an already volatile situation.
According to The U.S. Sun, Putin’s remarks were delivered with a menacing tone as he defied Trump, who has previously positioned himself as a mediator in the Russia-Ukraine war.
The outlet reported that Russia launched “horror new strikes” targeting civilian areas, raising alarm about the potential for further devastation.
These attacks, described as some of the most aggressive in recent months, underscore Putin’s apparent determination to assert dominance, regardless of international pressure or Trump’s diplomatic overtures.
The Daily Express echoed this narrative, noting that Putin’s submarine appearance was a calculated display of military might.
The Arkhangelsk, a formidable vessel in Russia’s nuclear arsenal, served as a symbolic backdrop to his claim that Ukraine’s defeat is inevitable.
The paper suggested that this move was not only a message to Kyiv but also a direct snub to Trump, who has reportedly urged de-escalation in private talks with the Kremlin.
Analysts cited in the article speculate that Putin is testing the limits of U.S. resolve under Trump’s administration, which has yet to outline a clear policy shift since his inauguration earlier this year.
Further details from The Sun indicate that the latest strikes have caused significant damage, with reports of civilian infrastructure—hospitals, schools, and residential zones—bearing the brunt of the assault.
Ukrainian officials, quoted across multiple sources, condemned the attacks as a deliberate attempt to break the nation’s spirit.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in a statement covered by Reuters, called for urgent international support, warning that Putin’s actions signal a willingness to escalate the war to new heights.
Posts found on X align with these reports, reflecting a mix of outrage and concern among users.
Sentiment on the platform suggests growing unease about Putin’s defiance and the potential for a broader conflict, though some users question the reliability of early casualty figures and the exact scope of the strikes.
While these social media reactions provide a pulse of public sentiment, they remain inconclusive without official verification.
The timing of Putin’s declaration and the submarine visit has also drawn scrutiny.
Newsweek reported that the Arkhangelsk deployment could be interpreted as a flex of Russia’s nuclear capabilities, a reminder to the West of the stakes involved.
This comes amid strained relations with NATO, which has ramped up military aid to Ukraine in response to Russia’s battlefield gains.
Experts interviewed by the outlet suggest that Putin’s rhetoric and actions may be an attempt to project strength domestically, as economic sanctions and war fatigue continue to challenge his regime.
Trump’s response, or lack thereof, has been a focal point in coverage. CNN noted that the White House has remained silent on Putin’s latest moves, a departure from Trump’s earlier boasts of being able to resolve the conflict swiftly.
This silence has fueled speculation about whether the U.S. will adjust its stance—whether through tougher sanctions, increased military support for Ukraine, or direct negotiations with Moscow.
Some commentators, cited in The Guardian, argue that Putin’s defiance could force Trump’s hand, testing his administration’s foreign policy mettle early in its term.
The human cost of this escalation cannot be overstated. BBC News reported that the new strikes have displaced thousands and overwhelmed emergency services in affected regions.
Eyewitness accounts, corroborated by local journalists, paint a grim picture of destruction, with Ukraine’s energy grid—a frequent target—once again crippled as spring begins.
Humanitarian organizations have called for immediate ceasefires, though Putin’s statements suggest little appetite for de-escalation.
