On Sunday, former President Donald Trump expressed his discontent regarding the actions of Russian President Vladimir Putin, stating that he has “gone absolutely CRAZY.” Trump’s comments came shortly after Russia launched its largest aerial assault in the ongoing conflict with Ukraine, which has now lasted over three years. “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,” Trump posted on Truth Social.
In his remarks to reporters, Trump clarified his stance, 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.” He went on to shift some of the blame toward Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who earlier in the day criticized “America’s silence” for enabling Putin’s ongoing military aggression. “Likewise, President Zelenskyy is doing his country no favors by talking the way he does,” Trump claimed. “Everything out of his mouth causes problems, I don’t like it, and it better stop.”
Reports indicate that at least 12 people lost their lives in the recent attacks across Ukraine, including children. Dozens more sustained injuries as Russia intensified its aerial bombardments, prompting increasing international pressure on Putin to consider a ceasefire proposal. “The world may go on vacation, but the war continues, despite weekends and weekdays. This cannot be ignored. America’s silence, and the silence of others in the world, only encourages Putin,” Zelensky asserted on Sunday morning.
Later on Sunday, Trump indicated that he is “absolutely” contemplating additional sanctions against Russia, a move that Zelensky has advocated for. Previously, Trump had refrained from supporting new sanctions, believing there was a chance for diplomatic progress. However, he hinted that his position might change given the recent escalation of violence. “I was very surprised” about the aerial assault, Trump noted, recalling that just a week prior, Russia executed its largest drone attack against Ukraine, coinciding with a phone call he had with Putin.
During his conversation with reporters in New Jersey, Trump recounted, “We’re in the middle of talking, and he’s shooting rockets into Kyiv and other cities.” He revealed that he had spoken with Putin in an effort to negotiate a 30-day ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine. Following his discussions with Putin, Trump also communicated with Zelensky and other European allies, announcing that “Russia and Ukraine will immediately start negotiations toward a ceasefire and, more importantly, an end to the war.” He emphasized that the conditions would be negotiated between the two parties involved, as they possess insights into the nuances of the negotiations that others might lack.
This article has been updated to include the latest developments in the ongoing situation between Russia and Ukraine.
