'They are defeated': Trump appears to confuse Ukraine with Iran

Details of the controversial statement

While speaking to the press, Donald Trump suggested that the war in Ukraine and the conflict in the Middle East could end on a similar timeline. He also claimed that Ukraine has already lost militarily.

"I think Ukraine, militarily, they are defeated. You wouldn’t know that by reading the fake news. There are 159 ships – every ship is right now underwater," Trump said.

It appears Trump once again mixed up country names, confusing Ukraine with Iran. The claim about 159 ships sunk is one of his most common phrases about Tehran’s naval forces.

'They are defeated': #Trump appears to confuse #Ukraine with Iran pic.twitter.com/PE7Dw5miCn

— RBC-Ukraine (@NewsUkraineRBC) April 29, 2026

Trump has previously made similar statements on social media. In particular, he claimed he had ordered the US Navy to destroy any Iranian boats laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz, stressing that all 159 of their ships are "at the bottom of the sea."

This is not the first time the American politician has mixed up country names or geopolitical facts. In the past, Donald Trump has repeatedly confused world leaders in his remarks and has also referred to fictional or non-existent conflicts, such as a war between Albania and Azerbaijan.

Talks with the Kremlin and Putin’s plans

On April 29, it became known that Donald Trump and Russian leader Vladimir Putin held a phone call, during which they discussed the prospects of a deal and a possible ceasefire with Ukraine.

In addition, a professional lip reader decoded part of Trump’s conversation with King Charles III during their recent meeting. The US President reportedly told the monarch that the Russian leader "will wipe out the population," though he did not specify which population he meant.