U.S. President Donald Trump has once again linked Russia’s invasion of Ukraine to the chaotic withdrawal of American forces from Afghanistan, suggesting that the disorder signaled weakness to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Speaking at the White House on Friday, Trump said, “To be honest, if that hadn’t happened, I really believe we wouldn’t be having this problem with Russia. I think Putin watched these stupid people—the Biden administration—botch Afghanistan and thought, ‘Now is the time to attack.’”
He recalled the deadly suicide bombing at Kabul airport’s Abbey Gate during the evacuation, which killed 170 Afghan civilians and 13 American troops.
Trump also reiterated his longstanding criticism of U.S. military equipment left behind in Afghanistan. While claiming he rebuilt the U.S. military during his first term, he condemned what he described as the abandonment of billions of dollars’ worth of weapons and equipment, calling the withdrawal “the most shameful day in American history.”
Trump has repeatedly highlighted concerns over these weapons. According to a report by CNN-News18 in India, the U.S. has asked Pakistan to assist in recovering some of the abandoned gear, which Pakistan itself has labeled a national security threat. Talks on this issue have reportedly taken place between officials from both countries.
The total value of the abandoned military hardware is estimated at around $7 billion.
Notably, the Taliban did not stage a military parade with U.S. equipment on the fourth anniversary of the fall of the republic, a move Trump had previously criticized, saying such displays infuriated him.
