President Donald Trump issued a sharp rebuke of Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday, calling him “absolutely CRAZY” after Russia launched its largest aerial assault yet in its ongoing war against Ukraine. The overnight strikes killed at least 12 civilians, including children, and injured dozens more, according to Ukrainian officials.
In a Truth Social post, Trump expressed shock and outrage over the escalation. “I’ve always had a very good relationship with Vladimir Putin of Russia, but something has happened to him. He has gone absolutely CRAZY! He is needlessly killing a lot of people… Missiles and drones are being shot into cities in Ukraine for no reason whatsoever.”
The attack marks one of the deadliest nights in Ukraine in recent months, as Russian drones and missiles pummeled urban centers. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky responded by accusing the U.S. and other global powers of enabling Putin through their silence. “America’s silence… only encourages Putin,” Zelensky said Sunday morning.
Trump, addressing reporters later in the day, said he was “not happy with what Putin is doing” and was “very surprised” by the timing of the attack. He revealed that the aerial assault occurred while he was in communication with the Russian leader. “We’re in the middle of talking, and he’s shooting rockets into Kyiv and other cities,” Trump said.
The president also criticized Zelensky, stating, “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.”
Despite the criticism on both sides, Trump announced that progress had been made toward de-escalation. Following calls with Putin, Zelensky, and European leaders, Trump declared that “Russia and Ukraine will immediately start negotiations toward a Ceasefire and, more importantly, an END to the War.” He emphasized that the terms would be determined by the two nations directly.
Trump added that he is “absolutely” considering further sanctions on Russia, a notable shift from his earlier reluctance, citing a hope for progress through diplomacy.
With tensions at a peak, all eyes are now on the proposed ceasefire negotiations to see whether a breakthrough can be reached – or if violence will continue to spiral.
