Washington: US President Donald Trump stated on Monday that illegal immigration poses a greater threat than Russian President Vladimir Putin, with whom he has recently engaged in discussions to end the Ukraine war and improve bilateral ties. Trump urged Americans to focus on criminals entering the country.

According to Anadolu Agency, in a post on his Truth Social account, Trump wrote: "We should spend less time worrying about Putin, and more time worrying about migrant rape gangs, drug lords, murderers, and people from mental institutions entering our Country." He emphasized the need for vigilance to avoid the situation in Europe, where migration remains a dominant political issue, boosting far-right parties that oppose accepting large numbers of refugees and migrants.

The Trump administration has prioritized swift deportations and stricter enforcement as part of its crackdown on illegal immigration. Trump criticized Europe while European leaders convened for a summit in London, reiterating their support for Ukraine. This came two days after a tense argument with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House.

The public argument also involved US Vice President JD Vance. It stemmed from the Ukrainian leader's doubts about the US approach of engaging with Putin, questioning its potential to achieve lasting peace.