Putin has 'got upper hand' as 'intimidated' Donald Trump 'enthralled by him'

Donald Trump is a "psychopath" who is "enthralled with Putin" and who admires authoritarian leaders because he lacks the courage to confront adversaries like Iran, former US Congressman Adam Kinzinger has claimed in a scathing assessment. Mr Kinzinger said Mr Trump's attitude towards Russian President Vladimir Putin was rooted in narcissism and a desire for unchecked power.

Speaking to investment platform , the ex-US army officer told The Express: "Yes, I do think Trump's enthralled with Putin. "I'm not one of those who necessarily goes off to think that he's a KGB spy, but if you look at who Donald Trump is, this is a guy where narcissism is actually a generous word for him. He's a psychopath times two or whatever that is."

He continued: "He sees somebody like Xi of China or Vladimir Putin, who seem to have control over their country, and he admires that because, to him, everything that happens in the United States of America, if it's beneficial for our country, great.

"That's a side product of what is beneficial for him. He sees how somebody like Putin can rule with an iron fist and stay in office for 20 years, and I think he just admires that."

Mr Kinzinger, a Republican who broke with his party over the Capitol riot four years ago and sat on the committee investigating it, also questioned Mr Trump's willingness to use military force.

He said: "Despite the fact that he can tweet in all caps and that he's a loud guy, he's actually very, very intimidated. He's intimidated very easily."

As an example, Mr Kinzinger cited Mr Trump's approach to the Iran nuclear deal, officially the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which the President once railed against but is now reportedly open to reviving.

He explained: "You see that with, for instance, the Iran deal, which they're getting ready to try to codify, which is basically the JCPOA that he railed against in the first administration, because he doesn't want to confront Iran."

Mr Kinzinger added: "I think a peace deal is better than a confrontation, but he has no desire to use the American military because he's honestly a coward. And I think you just have to understand that with him, his ability to tweet in all caps is not indicative of his actual internal courage."

The comments come amid escalating violence in Ukraine, where a Russian missile and drone strike on Kyiv killed nine people and injured more than 70 overnight, according to Ukrainian authorities.

The attack followed a breakdown in peace negotiations, after President Trump lashed out at Ukrainian President Mr Zelensky for rejecting a proposal to cede Crimea to Russia.

Mr Trump claimed Mr Zelensky was prolonging the "killing field" by refusing to compromise. Later that day, he said: "It's been harder to deal with Zelensky than with Russia."

Mr Zelensky has repeatedly made clear that any deal recognising occupied territory as Russian is a red line for Ukraine.

Mr Kinzinger served as a Republican representative for Illinois from 2011 to 2023. Throughout his tenure, he was known for his focus on national security, military affairs, and foreign policy.

His stance against Mr Trump became particularly prominent after the events of January 6, 2021, when he was one of the few Republicans to vote to impeach Mr Trump for incitement of insurrection.

He also served on the House Select Committee to Investigate the January 6 attack on the United States Capitol, playing a significant role in the investigation into the events surrounding the Capitol riot.

Since leaving Congress, Mr Kinzinger has remained an outspoken critic of Mr Trump and continues to advocate for a return to what he sees as traditional conservative values.

Mr Zelensky, speaking at a press conference today, said: "Russia is putting pressure on our people, it is putting pressure on the USA. I also associate today's strike on Ukraine with this."

"The conversation in London was difficult, but constructive, and Russia was counting on a big scandal."

"Today's attack is definitely one of the most difficult and one of the most brazen from Russia."

Mr Zelensky also handed over to the President of South Africa a list of 400 Ukrainian children who are currently in Russia against their will.

"If Russia says it is ready for a ceasefire, then they should stop the massive strikes on Ukraine."

"The fact that we are ready to talk to the terrorists who have started a war on our land is already a big compromise."

Mr Trump, referring to the Kyiv attacks, posted on Truth Social: "I am not happy with the Russian strikes on KYIV. Not necessary, and very bad timing."

Notably referring to the Russian President by his first name, he added: "Vladimir, STOP! 5000 soldiers a week are dying. Lets get the Peace Deal DONE!"

The Express has contacted the White House for comment.