Rep Don Bacon slams Trump over comments on alleged Ukraine attack on Putin’s residence

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump drew sharp criticism from Republican Rep Don Bacon (R-Neb.) after appearing to side with Russia’s account of an alleged Ukrainian drone strike on one of Vladimir Putin’s residences. Trump said that he was furious about the reported incident, even though Kyiv has denied carrying out any such attack.

Don Bacon rebukes Donald Trump

Bacon on Monday, December 29, criticised Trump for siding with Russia’s claim of Ukraine’s drone attack on President Putin’s residence in the Novgorod region overnight with 91 long-range drones. 

“President Trump and his team should get the facts first before assuming blame. Putin is a well known boldface liar,” Bacon wrote on the social platform X.

Donald Trump echoes Vladimir Putin on alleged drone attack

After greeting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida, on Monday afternoon, Trump told reporters that he had been informed of the attack by Putin during a phone call earlier in the day.

“It’s one thing to be offensive. It’s another thing to attack his house. It’s not the right time to do any of that. … I was very angry about it,” Trump said.

“It’s a delicate period of time. This is not the right time,” Trump added, likely referring to ongoing peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine.

Asked if there’s evidence of the attack, Trump replied: “Well, we’ll find out. You’re saying maybe the attack didn’t take place? That’s possible, I guess, but President Putin told me this morning.”

According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Russia’s claims were 'a complete fabrication intended to justify additional attacks against Ukraine' and undermine peace talks.

Trump had a meeting with Zelensky on Sunday at Mar-a-Lago to discuss a proposed 20-point peace plan.

Don Bacon's criticism of Donald Trump's Ukraine policy

Bacon has been repeatedly critical of Trump’s handling of foreign policy matters, including the Russia-Ukraine war.

In a pointed interview on ABC’s 'This Week' on November 30, Bacon criticized the administration’s negotiation strategy and labeled the initial 28-point peace proposal a 'surrender document' that plays into Vladimir Putin's hands.

"I would like to see the president be a stronger advocate for the free country, the sovereign country of Ukraine... and have a little more clear-eyed view of who Putin is," Bacon told ABC host Jonathan Karl.

The Congressman, who sits on the House Armed Services Committee, claimed that Putin is an 'invader' and a 'dictator' who has 'murdered all of his opponents.'

"He wants to control another third of Ukraine. He would like to make Ukraine a vassal state. So I don’t know why the administration keeps pursuing the pointless here," Bacon added, urging the White House to stop sending 'mixed signals' and instead arm Kyiv to negotiate from strength.