Former President Donald Trump allegedly sent coronavirus testing devices to Russian President Vladimir Putin during the height of the pandemic, according to a new book by journalist Bob Woodward. The Kremlin confirmed receiving equipment at the beginning of the pandemic, but denied claims of multiple phone calls between Trump and Putin since Trump left office. Trump also denied the reports, calling Woodward a “bad storyteller” who has “lost his marbles.” Trump’s re-election team accused Woodward of bias and denied the claims made in the book.
The book raises questions about how Trump would handle the war in Ukraine and whether he would continue to provide aid to the country if re-elected. Trump has claimed he could settle the conflict between Russia and Ukraine in one day. However, Russia’s ambassador to the UN stated that the crisis cannot be solved so quickly.
As a private citizen, Trump would need permission from the sitting president to negotiate on behalf of the U.S. government. Trump’s critics have criticized his relationship with authoritarian leaders like Putin, with Trump praising Putin as “very savvy” and a “strong man.” Trump’s relationship with Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has been a topic of discussion, with Trump claiming his relationship with both leaders is “very good.” The book also mentions a senior adviser’s denial of any conversations between Trump and Putin, but states they would know how to get in touch if needed.
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