Tue Mar 18 03:20:29 UTC 2025: **US Intelligence Chief Gabbard Says Trump and Putin Are “Very Good Friends,” Sparking Outrage**
**Washington, March 18, 2025** – Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard has stated that Presidents Trump and Putin share a close friendship and are actively working to strengthen US-Russia ties. This declaration, made in an interview with NDTV, has ignited controversy, particularly given the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Gabbard highlighted the “very far back” history of US-Russia relations and emphasized President Trump’s commitment to building a relationship focused on peace, prosperity, freedom, and security. She praised Trump’s efforts to broker a ceasefire in Ukraine, contrasting them with the perceived lack of progress under the previous administration.
However, Gabbard’s comments have drawn sharp criticism. Chess legend Garry Kasparov questioned the shared objectives between the US and Putin’s Russia, suggesting potential shared goals could include the destruction of Ukraine and undermining NATO.
Gabbard’s past expressions of sympathy for Russia and her echoing of Russian propaganda regarding the war have also fueled concerns. Her assertion of a strong friendship between the two presidents, in the context of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, has further intensified the debate.
The statement comes amidst a backdrop of significant shifts in US-Russia relations under the Trump administration, including a brief suspension of intelligence sharing with Ukraine and a halt to some offensive cyberoperations against Russia. Gabbard, currently visiting India for an international security conference, will also be visiting Japan and Thailand.
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