In a significant shift from his previous stance, U.S. President Donald Trump has sharply criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin following Russia’s largest aerial assault on Ukraine since the war’s inception. The overnight barrage involved over 350 drones and missiles, targeting Kyiv and more than 30 other cities, resulting in at least 12 civilian deaths and dozens of injuries .
Trump expressed his dismay on social media, stating that Putin has “gone absolutely CRAZY” and condemned the attacks as “not necessary, and very bad timing.” He warned that Putin’s aggressive actions could lead to Russia’s downfall and urged for a peace deal to be finalized .
Despite previously touting a strong relationship with Putin, Trump indicated a growing frustration with the Kremlin’s continued aggression and reluctance to seek peace. He hinted at imposing harsher sanctions on Moscow, including potential tariffs on Russian oil and gas, should the conflict persist .
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called for stronger international sanctions against Russia, asserting that only global pressure can halt the invasion. Meanwhile, the Kremlin has dismissed Trump’s remarks as emotional, emphasizing that diplomatic efforts to end the war remain active, albeit challenging .
This escalation underscores the complexities of the ongoing conflict and the challenges faced by international leaders in mediating a resolution.