Donald Trump warns Syria and Russia ‘missiles are coming – get ready’
Donald Trump has told Russia to “get ready” for missiles fired into Syria, saying in a tweet that “they will be coming”.
The US President is widely expected to announce military intervention after the weekend’s chemical attack in Douma, just outside Damascus.
The UK appeared willing to support the US-led strike, with Prime Minister Theresa May expected to summon Cabinet ministers tomorrow to back a plan on British military action against Syria’s chemical weapons infrastructure.
Last night the US ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley slammed Russia for blocking a vote calling for a new inquiry into responsibility for use of chemical weapons in Douma after the weekend’s apparent attack.
She said: “At a certain point you’re either for an independent and impartial investigation, or you’re not. Today for the sixth time Russia failed the Syrian people and vetoed a mechanism that would have held those who use chemical weapons against them accountable.”
This morning Trump – who has cancelled a trip to South America this weekend in order to oversee the response – raised the rhetoric one level higher.
“Russia vows to shoot down any and all missiles fired at Syria,” he tweeted. “Get ready Russia, because they will be coming, nice and new and “smart!” You shouldn’t be partners with a Gas Killing Animal who kills his people and enjoys it!”
Trump followed that up an hour later with a less aggressive tweet.
“Our relationship with Russia is worse now than it has ever been, and that includes the Cold War. There is no reason for this,” he wrote. “Russia needs us to help with their economy, something that would be very easy to do, and we need all nations to work together. Stop the arms race?”
Yesterday Trump spoke with Theresa May, but although he and French President Macron appear ready to launch airstrikes, May appears to be being more cautious.
A Downing Street spokesperson said May and Trump “agreed they would continue working closely together and with international partners to ensure that those responsible were held to account”.
It is thought any military intervention from the UK’s part would require a parliamentary vote. David Cameron was defeated by a similar vote in 2013.