Trump Slams Putin Over Ukraine Attack: ‘He’s Gone Absolutely Crazy’

Former President also criticizes Zelensky amid deadly Russian airstrikes

Former President Donald Trump publicly condemned Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday, calling him “absolutely CRAZY” after Russia launched its most devastating aerial assault on Ukraine since the war began over three years ago.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote,

“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.”

Speaking to reporters earlier that day, Trump expressed frustration, saying, “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.”

Deadly Assault Shakes Ukraine

Ukrainian officials confirmed that at least 12 people, including children, were killed in the wave of Russian drone and missile strikes. Dozens more were injured. This latest assault is part of an intensifying campaign as pressure builds on Putin to accept a ceasefire deal.

President Volodymyr Zelensky responded by calling out what he described as “America’s silence,” warning that such inaction only encourages Putin’s aggression.

“The world may go on vacation, but the war continues,” Zelensky said. “America’s silence, and the silence of others in the world, only encourages Putin.”

Trump Fires Back at Zelensky

Trump didn’t hold back in his criticism of the Ukrainian leader, either.

“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,” Trump posted.

Sanctions, Ceasefire Talks, and a Surprise Call

Trump also said he is “absolutely” considering additional sanctions on Russia, a shift from his earlier reluctance. “There’s a chance of progress,” he had said before, but now acknowledges the situation could warrant a stronger response.

Just a week earlier, Trump had spoken with Putin in a call that coincided with a separate major drone assault on Ukraine.

“We’re in the middle of talking, and he’s shooting rockets into Kyiv and other cities,” Trump said.

Following that call, Trump also spoke with Zelensky and several European leaders. He later announced that negotiations were being arranged for a 30-day ceasefire and possibly a path toward ending the war entirely.

“Russia and Ukraine will immediately start negotiations toward a ceasefire and, more importantly, an END to the war,” Trump stated, adding that the terms “will be negotiated between the two parties, as it can only be.”