In a stunning turn of events, the Kremlin has confirmed that former President Donald Trump did indeed send Covid-19 test samples to Russia during the initial stages of the pandemic. This revelation supplements claims made by veteran journalist Bob Woodward in his latest book, "War," and raises significant questions regarding Trump's controversial relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov disclosed to the media that, “The Trump administration sent us several samples of test kits.” This statement directly contradicts Trump’s earlier denials expressed in an ABC News interview, where he labeled the claims as “false.”

Woodward's book details conversations between Trump and Putin, in which it was mentioned that Trump discreetly provided the Russian leader with Abbott Point of Care Covid test machines. According to Woodward, Putin warned Trump, “Please don’t tell anybody you sent these to me,” to which Trump allegedly responded nonchalantly, “I don’t care. Fine.” Putin further emphasized that Trump should keep it confidential because “people will get mad at you, not me.”

Peskov stopped short of confirming whether these tests were intended specifically for Putin's use, as Woodward suggested, but he acknowledged the chaotic atmosphere during the onset of the pandemic: “At that time, the pandemic was starting, and the situation was very difficult for all countries.” He also noted that it was common practice for nations to exchange medical supplies amid the crisis; the Kremlin sent ventilators to the United States in return for the test kits.

The Kremlin's admission raises eyebrows, particularly in light of Trump's dismissal of Woodward's account. In his defense, Trump labeled the journalist a “storyteller” and claimed he had "absolutely no access" to the former president for his book. Furthermore, in a twist, Woodward disclosed that Trump might have had “maybe as many as seven” communications with Putin post-presidency, a claim Peskov and Trump both denied.

As the first months of the pandemic unfolded, Trump's administration faced backlash for acquiring medical supplies from Moscow, a decision that some experts viewed as a propaganda win for Putin amid a global health crisis. Trump famously claimed the U.S. was the “king of ventilators” while investing $200 million in distributing them worldwide, including to Russia.

Adding fuel to the fire, the implications of Woodward's revelations have not gone unnoticed in the political arena. Democratic candidate and Vice President Kamala Harris seized the moment to criticize Trump, stating, “People were dying by the hundreds. Everybody was scrambling to get these test kits … and this guy who was President of the United States is sending them to Russia? To a murderous dictator, for his personal use?” She cautioned voters, “You’re getting played,” emphasizing the gravity of the situation.

Furthermore, it’s important to note that despite the ongoing war in Ukraine and Putin's status as a global pariah, Trump continues to express admiration for the Russian leader, stating, “I got along well with him. I hope to get along well with him again.” This statement has raised concerns in political circles about Trump's continuing affinity for authoritarian leaders, a position that could have significant repercussions in the upcoming 2024 U.S. Presidential election.

As more details regarding this saga emerge, one can only wonder: how will this affect Trump's political future and his standing within the Republican Party? The plot thickens, and voters will be watching closely.