Trump Calls Putin “Crazy” After Deadly Attacks in Ukraine

Washington – Former U.S. President Donald Trump has sharply criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin, calling him “absolutely crazy” following Russia’s latest massive drone and missile strikes on Ukrainian cities. The attacks, the most severe aerial assault since Russia’s 2022 full-scale invasion, killed at least 12 people, including three children, and injured dozens more.

Writing on his Truth Social platform, Trump condemned the violence, saying, “Missiles and drones are being shot into cities in Ukraine for no reason whatsoever. Putin is needlessly killing a lot of people, and I’m not just talking about soldiers.”

Trump’s statement marks a notable shift in tone. Known for his past admiration of Putin and his claims of maintaining a good relationship with the Russian leader, Trump now appears increasingly frustrated with Putin’s unwillingness to end the war. He warned that if Putin truly aims to take over all of Ukraine, it could bring about Russia’s downfall.

“I’ve always said that he wants ALL of Ukraine, not just a piece of it,” Trump wrote. “But if he does, it will lead to the downfall of Russia!”

The criticism comes just a week after Trump reportedly had a two-hour phone call with Putin about a potential U.S.-led 30-day ceasefire. That conversation, however, does not seem to have yielded any progress. Instead, Russia launched its most brutal wave of attacks yet, targeting more than 30 towns and cities in Ukraine.

Despite his hard words for Putin, Trump also took aim at Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. He accused Zelenskyy of worsening the situation with his public statements. “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,” Trump stated.

This dual criticism reflects Trump’s increasing dissatisfaction with both sides of the war, even though Russia launched the initial invasion in February 2022. He has long maintained that he could end the war within “24 hours” if re-elected to the White House, though he has not detailed how.

Zelenskyy, meanwhile, continues to call for international support. In a recent post on X, formerly Twitter, he wrote, “The world may go on a weekend break, but the war continues. This cannot be ignored. Silence from America and others around the world only encourages Putin.”

Trump responded by distancing himself from responsibility. “This is Zelenskyy’s, Putin’s, and Biden’s war, not Trump’s. I’m only helping to put out the big and ugly fires that were started through gross incompetence and hatred,” he said.

The European Union, in response to Russia’s continued refusal to agree to a ceasefire, has imposed new sanctions on Moscow. Despite several rounds of talks, including recent ceasefire discussions in Turkey, peace remains out of reach.

Trump’s latest comments suggest his stance is hardening as hopes for a quick resolution fade. With violence escalating and diplomacy stalling, the war in Ukraine continues to cast a long shadow over global stability.