After Russia launched a record-breaking aerial assault on Ukraine, U.S. President Donald Trump strongly criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin for the deadly attack that left at least 13 civilians dead.
Trump Disapproves of Putin’s Actions
Speaking at Morristown airport, Trump openly condemned Putin’s latest actions. He said, "I'm not happy with what Putin is doing. He's killing a lot of people, and I don't know what the hell happened to Putin."
He added that although he had known Putin for years and they used to get along, he now disapproves of the violent approach. "He's sending rockets into cities and killing people, and I don't like it at all," Trump said.
Trump Considers More Sanctions
According to AFP, Trump also confirmed he was “absolutely” thinking about increasing sanctions on Russia due to the missile and drone strikes.
Shortly after his comments, Trump posted a stronger message on his social media platform, Truth Social. He wrote that Putin “has gone absolutely CRAZY!”
He continued, “He is needlessly killing a lot of people, and I’m not just talking about soldiers. Missiles and drones are being shot into Cities in Ukraine, for no reason whatsoever."
Trump also warned that Putin’s intentions might go beyond partial control. “I’ve always said that he wants ALL of Ukraine, not just a piece of it, and maybe that’s proving to be right, but if he does, it will lead to the downfall of Russia!”
Trump Criticizes Zelensky and Biden Too
Besides blaming Putin, Trump also attacked Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. He wrote, “Likewise, President 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.”
He further claimed that the ongoing war would not have started under his leadership. “This is Zelenskyy’s, Putin’s, and Biden’s War, not ‘Trump’s.’ I am only helping to put out the big and ugly fires, that have been started through Gross Incompetence and Hatred,” Trump posted.
Russia’s Deadliest Attack Since War Began
Russia carried out its most intense airstrike since the war began, according to Reuters. The overnight attack on Sunday involved 367 drones and missiles targeting cities across Ukraine, including Kyiv.
Prisoner Swap Preceded the Attack
This large-scale strike came just after Russia and Ukraine completed their biggest prisoner exchange of the conflict. Over the weekend, both countries released around 1,000 prisoners each. Ukrainian officials said that 13 people died in the strikes, including three children—an eight-year-old, a 12-year-old, and a 17-year-old, reported AFP.
Zelensky Urges World to Act
After the attack, President Zelensky called for stronger international pressure. He said in a post on X, “The war can be stopped, but only through the necessary force of pressure on Russia. Putin must be forced to think not about launching missiles, but about ending the war