Credit: Kremlin.ru, CC BY 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
U.S. President Donald Trump has launched a scathing critique of Russian President Vladimir Putin, calling him “crazy” and warning that his ongoing aggression in Ukraine could trigger Russia’s downfall.
Trump’s remarks followed Russia’s largest drone assault yet on Ukraine, which left at least 13 civilians dead, including three children aged 8, 12, and 17.
The deadly overnight attack came amid a significant prisoner swap between both nations, with 303 detainees exchanged on each side.
In a post on his Truth Social platform, 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 further claimed that Putin’s ambition to seize all of Ukraine would only accelerate Russia’s decline.
The president’s comments mark a sharp departure from his typically measured or favourable tone toward Putin.
Speaking to reporters, Trump added, “He’s sending rockets into cities and killing people, and I don’t like it at all.”
Ukrainian officials described the nation’s mood as one of “terror” following back-to-back nights of intense aerial bombardments.
Ukraine’s military reported intercepting 266 drones and 45 missiles in a single night.
President Volodymyr Zelensky called for intensified international pressure on Moscow. “Without truly strong pressure on the Russian leadership, this brutality cannot be stopped,” Zelensky said.
“The silence of America and others only encourages Putin. Sanctions will certainly help.”
European leaders echoed his call. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas denounced the attacks, stating they reveal Russia’s aim to annihilate Ukraine.
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul also backed tougher measures: “Putin does not want peace; he wants to continue the war. We must not let him.”
The renewed global outrage may set the stage for a fresh wave of sanctions against Russia as the conflict deepens.
