Donald Trump escalates his attack on Vladimir Putin, adopting an increasingly aggressive rhetoric, which has raised questions in diplomatic and political circles as to whether Washington is finally preparing to adopt tougher.

In his latest statements, Trump expressed his strong dissatisfaction with the continuation of Russian attacks in Ukraine in the midst of his efforts to ensure a ceasefire, stating that he would soon find out if the Russian president “fools him”.

Trump, who has recently stepped up his rhetoric against Putin, has followed a mild attitude towards the Kremlin for months, said he would know within two weeks if Vladimir Putin “drags him” without intention of proceeding with a peacekeeping agreement.

Despite the harsh rhetoric towards the Kremlin, Trump declined to refer to specific measures he may take, simply stating that “words speak for themselves” and that his new attitude sends the necessary message. At the same time, he expressed concern that the imposition of new sanctions could blow the conversations in the air.

“We are not satisfied with the situation at all,” he said characteristically, adding that “I will inform you in about two weeks. We will see whether or not it is stupid, and if he does, we will react differently. “

The reference to the two -week period is a familiar tactic for Trump and has been repeatedly used during his presidency in critical decisions, often leaving the content of his future actions unclear.

Trump’s attitude reflects his attempt to maintain a mediator role without directly getting involved, while sending an ambiguous message to both Moscow and Kiev.

In one of his sharpest interventions to date, Trump warned Vladimir Putin on Tuesday that he is “playing with fire”, leaving open the possibility of new sanctions due to stagnation in the peace talks on Ukraine.

In a post on Tuesday, Trump said that “what Vladimir Putin does not understand is that if I were not, many very bad things would have already happened in Russia – and I mean it very bad. He plays with fire! “

The answer came immediately from Moscow. Russian president’s supreme adviser, Yuri Usakov, argued that Trump “doesn’t have enough information” about what is really going on in the front.

“We read and watch what Trump says, but we conclude that he does not receive full information on the Ukrainian-Russian conflict,” he said.

Usakov went on to say that Trump “is not aware of the mass terrorist attacks by Ukraine against peaceful Russian cities” and that he “only sees Russian answers, without understanding that they are targeting military installations and industrial infrastructure”.

This statement is a clear attempt by Moscow to depreciate Trump’s recent aggressive statements to the Kremlin, implying that his attitude is based on incomplete or misleading information.