President Trump took a jab at former President Barack Obama regarding the type of aid the United States sent to Ukraine to support their fight against pro-Russian separatists.
Meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the United Nations on Wednesday, a reporter asked the president for reassurances that military aid for Ukraine will continue.
Trump contrasted how his administration has sent weapons to the country as their war against Russian separatists drags on.
“Well, we’re working with Ukraine and we want other countries to work with Ukraine. When I say ‘work,’ I’m referring to money. They should put up more money. We put up a lot of money. I gave you anti-tank busters that — frankly, President Obama was sending you pillows and sheets, and I gave you anti-tank busters. And a lot of people didn’t want to do that. But I did it,” Trump said.
“And I really hope that Russia, because I believe that President Putin would like to do something. I really hope that you and President Putin get together and can solve your problem. That would be a tremendous achievement. I know you’re trying to do that,” he added.
[Related: Ukraine president denies he was pressured in Trump phone call]
Trump’s comments came shortly after the White House released the transcript of the July 25 phone call between him and Zelensky after an intelligence community whistleblower complaint.
