- Friday, May 30, 2025
Following Russia’s deadliest airstrike yet in Ukraine, Donald Trump criticized Vladimir Putin’s actions, calling him “absolutely CRAZY,” while also warning Ukrainian President Zelensky over his rhetoric and hinting at possible new sanctions.
By: Vibhuti Pathak
President Donald Trump called Russian President Vladimir Putin “absolutely CRAZY” on Sunday (25) following Russia’s most devastating aerial assault on Ukraine since the war began in 2022. The remarks mark one of Trump’s strongest rebukes of Putin since returning to office in January 2025.
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, and I’m not just talking about soldiers. Missiles and drones are being shot into cities in Ukraine, for no reason whatsoever.”
Earlier in the day, speaking to reporters before boarding Air Force One in Morristown, New Jersey, Trump 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.”
Russia’s overnight assault reportedly killed at least 12 civilians, including children, and injured dozens more across multiple Ukrainian cities. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky publicly criticized the U.S. response, stating that “America’s silence” was emboldening Putin.
Zelensky remarked, “The world may go on vacation, but the war continues. America’s silence, and the silence of others in the world, only encourages Putin.”
Trump, in turn, responded sharply to Zelensky’s comments, stating, “Likewise, President Zelensky 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 his initial reluctance to pursue new sanctions, Trump told reporters on Sunday evening that he is now “absolutely” considering additional measures against Russia. “We’re looking at all options,” he said, acknowledging the international outrage over the rising civilian toll in Ukraine.
Last week, Trump had spoken with Putin by phone to push for a 30-day ceasefire. The call took place just a day before Russia launched another large-scale drone attack. “We’re in the middle of talking, and he’s shooting rockets into Kyiv and other cities,” Trump recalled.
He later followed up the conversation with calls to Zelensky and key European allies. On Saturday, Trump announced that both sides had “agreed in principle” to initiate negotiations toward a ceasefire, though details remain vague. “Conditions will be negotiated between the two parties, as it can only be,” Trump added.
As global leaders await concrete progress, Sunday’s events underline the fragile state of diplomacy and the growing urgency for an end to the conflict. For now, President Trump’s latest statements mark a dramatic shift in tone from a leader who once prided himself on cordial ties with the Kremlin.
