Trump Blasts 'Crazy' Putin Following Deadly Russian Airstrikes on Ukraine

U.S. President Donald Trump has sharply criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin, calling him “absolutely crazy” after Russia launched its largest aerial assault on Ukraine since the war began. The attack killed at least 13 people and injured more than 60. Trump’s remarks, made on his Truth Social platform, were a rare public rebuke of Putin, with whom he previously claimed to have a good relationship. Trump expressed alarm over Putin’s actions and suggested that Russia’s continued aggression toward Ukraine could ultimately lead to its downfall. He reiterated his long-standing belief that Putin’s goal has always been to take over all of Ukraine, not just part of it.

The Russian assault involved the launch of 298 drones and 69 missiles, according to Ukraine’s Air Force. Of those, Ukrainian forces managed to intercept and destroy 266 drones and 45 missiles. While not the deadliest attack, it was the largest in terms of weapons used. Ukrainian emergency services described widespread terror, and the casualties included children aged 8, 12, and 17 in the Zhytomyr region. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the attack and called for stronger international pressure on Russia. He warned that silence from the U.S. and other nations only emboldens Putin and urged increased sanctions to help deter further aggression.

Trump, increasingly vocal about his dissatisfaction with the ongoing war, criticized both Putin and Zelenskyy. While expressing frustration at Putin’s deadly actions, he also accused Zelenskyy of harming Ukraine by the way he communicates. Trump has frequently criticized Zelenskyy in the past and suggested that Ukraine is less willing than Russia to reach a peace deal.

Trump claimed that he could end the war within days of returning to the White House and revealed that he and Putin had a two-hour phone conversation the previous week. He said the call resulted in a supposed agreement for Moscow and Kyiv to start negotiations for a ceasefire. However, Putin has made no firm commitment to end the war, offering only a vague idea of drafting a “memorandum” of demands.

Recent diplomatic efforts included a meeting in Turkiye between Russian and Ukrainian officials—the first in-person dialogue since 2022—but the Kremlin later stated that no direct talks were scheduled. The lack of meaningful progress on a peace agreement continues to frustrate global leaders.

The European Union responded strongly to the latest attacks. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas called for intensified international pressure on Russia, emphasizing that the assault demonstrates Russia’s intent to prolong suffering and destroy Ukraine. She expressed horror that children were among the victims. Similarly, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul condemned the attacks, asserting that Putin is not interested in peace and emphasizing the need for stronger European sanctions.

Amid the violence, Russia and Ukraine also carried out a major prisoner exchange. Each side released 303 individuals, marking the final phase of a swap agreement made in Istanbul on May 16. This represented the largest prisoner exchange since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, with 1,000 captured soldiers and civilians released in total.

The situation remains volatile, with no immediate resolution in sight.