A senior official from Russia’s lower legislative body criticized U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday, labeling him as “weak” for minimizing the Soviet Union’s contributions to World War II.
Over the weekend, Trump stated that the Allies were “not even close” to defeating Nazi Germany until the United States stepped into the war. He expressed these views in a post on Truth Social, where he encouraged Ukraine to consider Russia’s offer for peace negotiations.
“I’m not affected by Trump because he appears weak regarding history. Relying on the achievements of others for self-glorification demonstrates a lack of strength,” said Andrei Kartapolov, who chairs the State Duma’s defense committee, in comments made to pro-government outlets.
Kartapolov is among several Russian officials who have accused Trump of overstating America’s involvement in World War II. Earlier this month, Trump claimed that the U.S. had contributed “more than any other country” during the conflict.
In his Victory Day address on Friday, Russian President Vladimir Putin criticized what he described as attempts to “distort” the history of World War II and to “slander its true victors.” Putin has consistently portrayed the Soviet triumph over Nazi Germany as a pivotal aspect of national pride and unity.
Since initiating the large-scale invasion of Ukraine, he has presented the Russian military as the successor to the Red Army and framed the conflict as a battle against “Nazism.”
In his Truth Social post, Trump asserted that Putin was “too preoccupied celebrating the Victory of World War II” to address Ukraine’s proposal for a 30-day ceasefire—a suggestion first made by the U.S. in March.
Recently, Trump designated May 8 as World War II Victory Day and rebranded Veterans Day on November 11 as World War I Victory Day.
“We triumphed in both Wars, and no one was remotely as formidable as we were in terms of strength, courage, or military skill, yet we seldom commemorate anything,” Trump remarked. “We are going to begin celebrating our victories once more!”
