In a rare and scathing rebuke, Trump Slams Putin as “Absolutely CRAZY” After Deadliest Russian Drone Strikes on Ukraine. Former U.S. President Donald Trump publicly slammed Russian President Vladimir Putin, calling him “absolutely CRAZY” in response to the largest aerial assault of the Ukraine war to date.
The outburst follows a brutal overnight attack where Russia launched 367 drones and missiles at Ukrainian cities, leaving at least 13 people dead, including three children, and dozens more injured. Trump’s remarks came via Truth Social and in comments to reporters at Morristown Airport, marking a noticeable shift in tone from a leader who once spoke admiringly of Putin.
Trump Slams Putin as “Absolutely CRAZY” After Deadliest Russian Drone Strikes on Ukraine
Russia’s Deadliest Air Assault on Ukraine
According to the Ukrainian Air Force, Russia’s latest offensive included 266 Iranian-made Shahed drones and 45 missiles, many targeting residential and industrial areas.
While most were intercepted, the attack caused severe damage across Kyiv, Odesa, Mykolaiv, Khmelnytskyi, and Zhytomyr, where children aged 8, 12, and 17 were among the casualties.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the strikes as a “terror campaign,” warning that Russia’s aggression will continue without a strong international response.
Trump: “What the Hell Happened to Putin?”
Trump, often criticized for his soft stance toward Russia, delivered an unusually blunt critique. “Something has happened to him [Putin]. He has gone absolutely CRAZY,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
Speaking to reporters before boarding Air Force One, he added, “He’s killing a lot of people, and I don’t know what the hell happened to Putin!” This marked a rare public condemnation from Trump, who once claimed to have a “great relationship” with the Russian leader.
His new tone suggests growing concern over Russia’s escalating violence in Ukraine.
Trump Signals Possible New Sanctions on Russia
When asked about imposing further penalties on Moscow, Trump said he is “absolutely” considering new sanctions. Sources indicate the potential measures may target Rosneft, Russia’s state-controlled oil giant, and other sectors key to the Kremlin’s war efforts.
The idea of Trump sanctioning Russia is notable given his earlier preference for diplomacy. This possible policy pivot reflects mounting pressure from both domestic lawmakers and international allies in light of the war’s intensification.
Trump’s Harsh Words for Zelenskyy
While Trump condemned Putin, he also took aim at Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, blaming him for inflaming tensions. On Truth Social, Trump wrote, “Zelenskyy is doing his Country no favours by talking the way he does. Everything out of his mouth causes problems. I don’t like it, and it better stop.”
The criticism drew bipartisan backlash in the U.S., as lawmakers warned that undermining Ukraine’s leadership during a time of crisis sends the wrong message. Trump added, “This war would never have started if I were President. This is Zelenskyy’s, Putin’s, and Biden’s war not mine.”
Kremlin Reacts: “Emotional Overload”
In response, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov dismissed Trump’s comments, attributing them to “emotional overload.” He claimed the aerial assault was in retaliation for Ukrainian attacks on Russian civilian targets and emphasized that military infrastructure not civilians were targeted.
Still, international observers note that the civilian death toll paints a very different picture, suggesting indiscriminate bombing as a tactic of terror rather than strategy.
Massive Prisoner Swap Offers a Glimmer of Hope
Amid the carnage, Russia and Ukraine completed their largest prisoner swap, exchanging 303 captives each, as part of a deal brokered in Istanbul earlier this month. The emotional reunions were a rare moment of relief in an otherwise grim week for Ukrainians.
Former prisoner Viktor Syvak, who was detained for over three years, said, “It’s impossible to describe. I can’t put it into words.” Yet, as drone strikes resumed within hours of the exchange, hope for lasting peace remains dim.
Trump’s Failed Peace Talks and Warning of “Russia’s Downfall”
Trump recently attempted to broker a ceasefire, speaking with both Putin and Zelenskyy. However, his efforts yielded limited progress. A planned peace summit in Turkey faltered when Putin refused to attend, signaling a lack of commitment to immediate resolution.
Trump warned, “If [Putin] wants all of Ukraine, it will lead to the downfall of Russia.” He emphasized that the war has morphed from territorial conquest into senseless destruction.
EU Leaders Join Call for Stronger Sanctions
European Union leaders have echoed Trump’s newfound urgency. EU foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas and German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul both condemned the strikes.
“Putin does not want peace. He wants to carry on the war, and we shouldn’t allow him to do this,” Wadephul said. Kallas added that the world must apply “the strongest international pressure” to halt Russia’s war machine.
Biden Administration Urged to Respond
In contrast, the Biden administration has adopted a cautious approach. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that additional sanctions could “derail ongoing diplomatic efforts.”
However, this restraint has drawn criticism from both Ukraine and American conservatives, who argue that hesitation only emboldens Russia. Zelenskyy warned, “America’s silence, and the silence of others in the world, only encourages Putin.”
A Turning Point in U.S. Foreign Policy?
Trump’s rare rebuke of Putin and openness to new sanctions may signal a major turning point in U.S. foreign policy toward the Russia-Ukraine war. As the conflict enters its fourth year, the stakes have never been higher.
With more than 20% of Ukrainian territory under Russian control, including Crimea, the path forward remains uncertain. Whether Trump’s bold rhetoric translates into meaningful action or merely another round of political theater remains to be seen.
But one thing is clear: Trump slamming Putin after the deadliest strike yet has reinserted the former president into the global conversation on Ukraine, and possibly reshaped how the U.S. may approach future conflict resolution.
Final Thoughts
The world is watching closely. As Trump slams Putin, criticizes Zelenskyy, and considers new sanctions, the pressure is on Washington to respond decisively. Whether the U.S. leads or lags in the coming months may determine not only the future of Ukraine but also America’s role as a global mediator in one of the most volatile conflicts of our time.
Also Read: Russia suggests Trump has ‘emotional overload’ after calling Putin ‘crazy’ over Ukraine attacks
