In a pair of particularly undiplomatic posts on Twitter, President Trump on Wednesday told Russia to “get ready” for American “smart” missiles targeted at Syria, just days after the Kremlin vowed it would shoot down U.S. rockets.

“Russia vows to shoot down any and all missiles fired at Syria. Get ready Russia, because they will be coming, nice and new and ‘smart!'” he said.

“You shouldn’t be partners with a Gas Killing Animal who kills his people and enjoys it!” the president added.
 

Russia vows to shoot down any and all missiles fired at Syria. 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!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 11, 2018

Twenty minutes later, perhaps after Trump had a second cup of coffee, the president was more diplomatic toward Russian President Vladimir Putin, writing: “Our relationship with Russia is worse now than it has ever been, and that includes the Cold War. There is no reason for this. 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?”

Our relationship with Russia is worse now than it has ever been, and that includes the Cold War. There is no reason for this. 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?

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 11, 2018