Trump hints at major Russia statement as global tensions mount
TOI World Desk | TIMESOFINDIA.COM | Jul 12, 2025, 00:58 IST
( Image credit : ANI )
Highlight of the story: Former President Trump's cryptic announcement of a "major statement" on Russia next week has sparked global speculation, reminiscent of his past "two weeks" signals before significant actions. Amid escalating tensions in the Russia-Ukraine war and growing U.S. military support, Trump's remarks have fueled concerns about potential shifts in U.S. policy and possible military options, including a strike on Moscow.
Former President Donald Trump has reignited global speculation after stating he will make a "major statement" on Russia next week, reviving his trademark "two weeks" phrase that has often preceded sudden and consequential action.
In a phone interview with NBC News' Kristen Welker on July 10, Trump said, “I think I’ll have a major statement to make on Russia on Monday,” offering no further context. The vague remark has left both allies and adversaries guessing, particularly amid growing U.S. military support to Ukraine and intensifying conflict between NATO and Russian forces.
The phrase “two weeks” has become a recognizable signal during Trump’s political career, previously used ahead of airstrikes on Iran, policy overhauls, and diplomatic announcements. Notably, in June 2025, Trump used the same language during heightened tensions between Israel and Iran, hinting at negotiations. Within 48 hours, U.S. B-2 Spirit bombers launched an attack on Iranian nuclear facilities.
The current geopolitical backdrop suggests that Trump’s latest remarks carry weight. The Russia-Ukraine war continues to escalate, with Russian troops pushing deeper into Ukrainian territory. Despite several phone calls between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, there has been no reduction in Russian aggression. The situation has grown more precarious as Russian military operations move closer to NATO member borders, raising fears of a broader regional or even global conflict.
Just two days prior to Trump’s statement, CNN reported audio from the former president’s 2024 campaign, in which he is allegedly heard saying he warned Putin that if Russia invaded Ukraine, he would “bomb the s**t out of Moscow.” Though the authenticity of the clip remains unverified, its resurfacing has intensified concerns that military options may be under active consideration.
Speculation is mounting over whether U.S. strategic bombers, such as the B-2s based at Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri, are once again being prepared for possible deployment. A strike on Russian territory would likely cross one of Putin’s declared red lines and could trigger a conventional or nuclear response, raising the specter of World War III.
Trump’s use of the “two weeks” timeline has long served as a way to delay specifics while signaling movement behind the scenes. He has previously employed it when discussing tax reform, infrastructure packages, foreign policy decisions, and military action. Often, announcements have followed well before the full two weeks elapse.
This time, the statement comes as the U.S. prepares to send a fresh tranche of weapons to Ukraine through NATO channels. According to Trump, NATO will reimburse the full cost of these arms, shifting the financial burden away from U.S. taxpayers. “We’re sending weapons to NATO, and NATO is paying for those weapons, 100%,” Trump told NBC, referencing a deal reportedly finalized at the most recent NATO summit.
Trump’s stance on Putin has also evolved publicly. “I’m not happy with Putin, I can tell you that much right now, because he’s killing a lot of people,” he said in the same interview, adding that the Russian leader is often “very nice,” but his words “turn out to be meaningless.” Trump has also expressed support for a Senate bill introduced by Senator Lindsey Graham that would implement stricter sanctions on Russia.
The White House has remained silent on what exactly Trump plans to announce. Officials close to the matter suggest the ambiguity may be intentional. “Trump likes to keep everyone guessing—including our adversaries,” a senior administration official told Bloomberg.
With no clear indication of the nature or intent of Trump’s looming statement, world leaders are bracing for potential shifts in U.S. posture toward Russia. As Monday draws near, the international community watches closely, aware that in Trump’s political lexicon, “two weeks” may mean anything but delay.
In a phone interview with NBC News' Kristen Welker on July 10, Trump said, “I think I’ll have a major statement to make on Russia on Monday,” offering no further context. The vague remark has left both allies and adversaries guessing, particularly amid growing U.S. military support to Ukraine and intensifying conflict between NATO and Russian forces.
The phrase “two weeks” has become a recognizable signal during Trump’s political career, previously used ahead of airstrikes on Iran, policy overhauls, and diplomatic announcements. Notably, in June 2025, Trump used the same language during heightened tensions between Israel and Iran, hinting at negotiations. Within 48 hours, U.S. B-2 Spirit bombers launched an attack on Iranian nuclear facilities.
The current geopolitical backdrop suggests that Trump’s latest remarks carry weight. The Russia-Ukraine war continues to escalate, with Russian troops pushing deeper into Ukrainian territory. Despite several phone calls between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, there has been no reduction in Russian aggression. The situation has grown more precarious as Russian military operations move closer to NATO member borders, raising fears of a broader regional or even global conflict.
Just two days prior to Trump’s statement, CNN reported audio from the former president’s 2024 campaign, in which he is allegedly heard saying he warned Putin that if Russia invaded Ukraine, he would “bomb the s**t out of Moscow.” Though the authenticity of the clip remains unverified, its resurfacing has intensified concerns that military options may be under active consideration.
Speculation is mounting over whether U.S. strategic bombers, such as the B-2s based at Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri, are once again being prepared for possible deployment. A strike on Russian territory would likely cross one of Putin’s declared red lines and could trigger a conventional or nuclear response, raising the specter of World War III.
Trump’s use of the “two weeks” timeline has long served as a way to delay specifics while signaling movement behind the scenes. He has previously employed it when discussing tax reform, infrastructure packages, foreign policy decisions, and military action. Often, announcements have followed well before the full two weeks elapse.
This time, the statement comes as the U.S. prepares to send a fresh tranche of weapons to Ukraine through NATO channels. According to Trump, NATO will reimburse the full cost of these arms, shifting the financial burden away from U.S. taxpayers. “We’re sending weapons to NATO, and NATO is paying for those weapons, 100%,” Trump told NBC, referencing a deal reportedly finalized at the most recent NATO summit.
Trump’s stance on Putin has also evolved publicly. “I’m not happy with Putin, I can tell you that much right now, because he’s killing a lot of people,” he said in the same interview, adding that the Russian leader is often “very nice,” but his words “turn out to be meaningless.” Trump has also expressed support for a Senate bill introduced by Senator Lindsey Graham that would implement stricter sanctions on Russia.
The White House has remained silent on what exactly Trump plans to announce. Officials close to the matter suggest the ambiguity may be intentional. “Trump likes to keep everyone guessing—including our adversaries,” a senior administration official told Bloomberg.
With no clear indication of the nature or intent of Trump’s looming statement, world leaders are bracing for potential shifts in U.S. posture toward Russia. As Monday draws near, the international community watches closely, aware that in Trump’s political lexicon, “two weeks” may mean anything but delay.