Trump Slams Putin after Deadly Russian Strikes on Ukraine

U.S. President Donald Trump has fiercely criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin following one of the deadliest air raids in Russia's war on Ukraine. The unprecedented assault, which involved hundreds of drones and missiles, left at least 13 civilians dead and more than 60 injured.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump expressed shock at Putin’s actions, calling him “absolutely crazy.” While noting that he had maintained a positive relationship with Putin in the past, Trump suggested the Russian leader’s recent conduct marked a disturbing shift. He reiterated his long-held belief that Putin’s ambitions extended across all of Ukraine, warning that such aggression could ultimately lead to Russia’s collapse.

Ukraine’s Air Force reported that Russia launched 298 drones and 69 missiles during the overnight offensive, marking the largest attack in terms of the volume of weapons deployed. Ukrainian defenses managed to intercept a significant portion of the barrage, downing 266 drones and 45 missiles. Despite this, numerous casualties were reported, including children aged 8, 12, and 17 in the Zhytomyr region.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the attack, calling for stronger global sanctions and stating that silence from the international community only emboldens Russia.

Although Trump has previously claimed he could resolve the war quickly if re-elected, his tone toward Putin has become notably harsher. Speaking to reporters in New Jersey, Trump condemned the Russian strikes, questioning what had changed in Putin’s behavior. He confirmed he is considering imposing additional sanctions on Moscow.

In the same breath, Trump criticized Zelenskyy, accusing him of worsening tensions with his rhetoric and urging him to tone down his remarks.

Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts have shown little progress. A recent two-hour phone call between Trump and Putin resulted in a vague Russian proposal to draft a peace memorandum, with no commitment to cease hostilities. Direct negotiations between Moscow and Kyiv remain stalled.

European leaders have also reacted strongly. EU diplomat Kaja Kallas called for maximum international pressure to stop Russia’s aggression, while German Foreign Affairs Minister Johann Wadephul condemned the violence and pledged further EU sanctions.

Amid the intensified conflict, both sides confirmed the largest prisoner swap since the war began in 2022, exchanging 303 detainees each part of an agreement reached in Istanbul.