Summary

Former Trump national security adviser H.R. McMaster criticized Trump’s handling of Ukraine, calling Vladimir Putin a “master manipulator” who exploits Trump’s grievances.

Trump lashed out on Truth Social, calling McMaster “a weak and totally ineffective loser” and shifting focus to domestic issues.

The criticism followed a tense meeting where Trump and JD Vance sidelined Ukrainian President Zelenskiy, which has undermined U.S. alliances.

The meeting derailed peace talks and prevented a U.S.-Ukraine minerals deal, while U.S.-Russia negotiations in Saudi Arabia notably excluded Ukraine.