In a meeting and then at a press conference with the leaders of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, President Trump claimed incorrectly once again that he has been tougher on Russia than anyone else.
"Nobody has been tougher on Russia, but getting along with Russia would be a good thing, not a bad thing. And just about everybody agrees to that except very stupid people," Trump said. "We've been very tough on Russia, frankly."
Trump was asked by a reporter if he considered Putin to be a friend or foe. "We'll find out. I'll let you know."
Kersti Kaljulaid of Estonia, Dalia Grybauskaite of Lithuania, and Raimonds Vejonis of Latvia are worried about the prospect of Russia seeking to spread its influence throughout the region, and went to the White House as a group to seek more military assistance from the United States and NATO.
(...)
Baltic leaders have increased their criticism of Russia since it annexed part of Ukraine in 2014, but their White House visit comes at an unusual time for U.S.-Russian relations.
Trump surprised allies two weeks ago when he called Putin to congratulate him on his re-election, despite voting irregularities and little real competition. Trump then invited the Russian president to a meeting in the White House.
"I think I could have a very good relationship with Russia, and President Putin, and that would be a great thing," Trump said Tuesday. "And there's also a good possibility that won't happen."
(...)
Baltic leaders have raised questions about some of Trump's rhetoric, including his criticisms of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and his claim that the NATO alliance is not fairly sharing the burden of defending Europe.
The Baltics see NATO as a bulwark against the threat of Russian expansionism.
Trump tells Baltic leaders that US is 'very tough on Russia' (AP)
Trump declares 'nobody has been tougher on Russia' in meeting with Baltic leaders (CNN)
Donald Trump to Baltics: I've been tough on Russia, but want better relations (USA Today)