In 2024, CNN aired audio of Donald Trump telling donors he had threatened to bomb Moscow if Russia invaded Ukraine—an exchange he claimed took place with Vladimir Putin before his second term. The recording, later detailed in a book by reporters Josh Dawsey, Tyler Pager, and Isaac Arnsdorf, also included similar threats Trump allegedly made to China’s Xi Jinping over Taiwan.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov denied any such call occurred, stating there were no communications between Trump and Putin during that time. He also questioned the recording’s authenticity, calling it potentially fake amid a climate of misinformation.

In the audio, Trump said Putin initially didn’t believe his threat, giving it only “10%” credibility. Trump later told reporters he now dislikes Putin, citing frustration over Russia’s war in Ukraine and claiming Putin had deceived him despite prior cordial relations.

Following the revelation, Trump authorized additional weapons for Ukraine and hinted at fresh sanctions on Russia. The move drew an immediate reaction from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who urged swift action in response to Russia’s continued aggression.