The Kremlin commented on Monday that the Ukrainian connections of the alleged assailant in the assassination attempt on former US President Donald Trump demonstrated that 'playing with fire' has repercussions. This statement was a direct allusion to the United States' backing of Ukraine against Russia. Washington has provided Kyiv with tens of billions of dollars in military aid in an effort to bolster Ukrainian forces against Russia.
When questioned about the apparent assassination attempt on Trump, as described by the FBI, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov remarked: 'It is not for us to think, but for the US intelligence services. In any case, playing with fire carries its consequences.'
Peskov, when asked if the assassination attempt could destabilize the United States, stated that it was not Russia's concern, although Russia is observing the situation. 'We observe the high tension there, including among political rivals,' Peskov noted. 'The political conflict is intensifying, and various methods are being employed.'
CNN, Fox News, and the New York Times identified the suspect as Ryan Wesley Routh, 58, of Hawaii, citing anonymous law enforcement sources. Three social media accounts bearing Routh's name indicate he was a fervent supporter of Ukraine in its conflict with Russia.
The New York Times reported that it had interviewed Routh in 2023 for an article about Americans volunteering to assist Ukraine's war effort. Routh informed the Times that he had traveled to Ukraine and spent several months there in 2022, and was attempting to recruit Afghan soldiers who had fled the Taliban to fight in Ukraine.
