Charles Dean
In a dramatic and rare public rebuke, former U.S. President Donald Trump strongly condemned Russian President Vladimir Putin’s recent escalations in the war on Ukraine, describing Putin as having “gone absolutely CRAZY.” Trump made the comments Sunday after Moscow launched its largest aerial attack in the three-year conflict, targeting Ukrainian cities with missiles and drones, causing significant civilian casualties and widespread destruction.
Trump Slams Putin’s Latest Attacks on Ukraine
Trump, who has often touted his historically good relationship with Putin, expressed clear disapproval of the Russian leader’s latest moves. “I’m not happy with what Putin is doing,” Trump said in remarks to reporters. “He’s killing a lot of people, and I don’t know what the hell happened to Putin.” This marks a notable shift in tone from the former president, who had previously expressed hopes for a diplomatic resolution and maintained a more measured stance on Russia.
In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump wrote, “I’ve always had a very good relationship with Vladimir Putin of Russia, but something has happened to him. He has gone absolutely CRAZY! He is needlessly killing a lot of people, and I’m not just talking about soldiers. Missiles and drones are being shot into cities in Ukraine, for no reason whatsoever.” The intensity of the recent attacks has shocked many around the world and escalated fears of a broader humanitarian crisis.
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The conflict’s toll is staggering. Officials reported at least 12 people killed in the recent wave of attacks across Ukraine, including innocent children, with dozens more injured. The bombardments have intensified despite growing international calls for a ceasefire and peace negotiations. The urgency to end the conflict is felt across diplomatic channels, with leaders worldwide urging Putin to accept ceasefire proposals to spare further suffering.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky directly addressed the international community amid the latest onslaught. Speaking on Sunday morning, Zelensky accused “America’s silence” of emboldening Putin to continue his brutal attacks. “The world may go on vacation, but the war continues, despite weekends and weekdays. This cannot be ignored. America’s silence, and the silence of others in the world, only encourages Putin,” Zelensky said, emphasizing the need for urgent, united global pressure to halt the violence.
Interestingly, Trump did not spare criticism for Zelensky as well. In the same Truth Social post, he wrote, “Likewise, President Zelenskyy is doing his country no favors by talking the way he does. Everything out of his mouth causes problems, I don’t like it, and it better stop.” This blunt assessment highlights Trump’s complex stance on the war — condemning Putin’s aggression while also expressing frustration with Zelensky’s rhetoric and approach.
Despite this tension, Trump told reporters Sunday evening that he is “absolutely” considering additional sanctions against Russia, a measure Zelensky has repeatedly called for in an effort to increase pressure on Moscow. Trump had previously opposed new sanctions, believing that diplomatic progress was still possible, but recent developments have led him to reconsider. The surge in violence, including last week’s record drone attack, has clearly altered his calculus.
Trump also expressed surprise at the timing of the attacks, noting that Russia launched its largest drone strike on Ukraine just a day before he spoke with Putin on the phone. “We’re in the middle of talking, and he’s shooting rockets into Kyiv and other cities,” Trump said, reflecting frustration with the apparent disconnect between diplomatic talks and military actions.
The phone call with Putin on Monday marked an attempt by Trump to negotiate a 30-day ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, signaling his ongoing interest in brokering peace. Following the call, Trump spoke with Zelensky and European allies, announcing that “Russia and Ukraine will immediately start negotiations toward a Ceasefire and, more importantly, an END to the War.” He emphasized that the details would be negotiated directly between the two parties, given the sensitive nature of the conflict.
Trump’s remarks underscore the complexity of the war in Ukraine and the challenges facing the international community as it seeks an end to hostilities. While condemning Putin’s aggression, Trump’s simultaneous criticism of Zelensky highlights the nuanced and often conflicting views held by world leaders about the path forward.
As the conflict continues, the world watches closely, hoping for a diplomatic breakthrough that can prevent further loss of life and bring lasting peace to the region.
