Daily newspapers with covers, dedicated to the recent phone call of Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump, are laid out at a newsstand in a street in Moscow, Russia, February 13, 2025. REUTERS/Maxim Shemetov/Illustration/File Photo
Trump Calls Putin “Crazy” Amid Record Russian Attacks on Ukraine, Signals Possible New Sanctions
WASHINGTON / MOSCOW / KYIV, May 26 (Reuters) — U.S. President Donald Trump sharply criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin for escalating attacks on Ukraine, calling him “absolutely CRAZY” and warning of new potential sanctions against Moscow. Trump also scolded Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, accusing him of contributing to tensions with provocative rhetoric.
The comments came as Ukraine endured a third consecutive night of massive Russian aerial bombardment. Ukrainian officials reported over 900 drones and missiles launched in recent days, with damage to infrastructure, military facilities, and residential buildings.
“Something has happened to him (Putin). He has gone absolutely CRAZY!” Trump posted on Truth Social. “I’ve always said that he wants ALL of Ukraine… but if he does, it will lead to the downfall of Russia!”
Trump added criticism of Zelenskiy, writing:
“He is doing his Country no favours by talking the way he does. Everything out of his mouth causes problems, I don’t like it, and it better stop.”
Kremlin and Kyiv Respond
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov responded cautiously to Trump’s remarks, suggesting they reflected high emotional strain amid intensified conflict. “This is a very crucial moment… associated with the emotional overload of everyone absolutely,” he said, while still thanking Trump and the U.S. public for their involvement in peace talks.
Zelenskiy, in his nightly video address, did not directly respond to Trump. Instead, he condemned the Russian attacks as a “political choice” by Putin to prolong the war, stating that the strikes proved Russia’s disinterest in diplomacy.
“There is no military sense in this, but it is an obvious political choice,” Zelenskiy said. “Russia deserves full-scale pressure… to limit their military capability.”
Details of the Latest Attacks
Russia launched the most extensive aerial assault of the war overnight into Sunday, firing at least 367 drones and missiles. Ukrainian officials confirmed that at least 12 civilians were killed, including three children in the Zhytomyr region. A separate strike injured a 14-year-old in Odesa.
The western region of Khmelnytskyi — home to the Starokostiantyniv air base — was among the main targets, according to both Ukrainian and Russian statements. The Russian Defence Ministry claimed the attacks were aimed at military infrastructure in retaliation for recent Ukrainian drone strikes, including those on Russian civilian sites.
Trump Weighs Further Action
Speaking to reporters at Morristown Airport in New Jersey, Trump expressed concern over Putin’s behavior and hinted at new U.S. sanctions.
“I don’t know what’s wrong with him. What the hell happened to him? Right? He’s killing a lot of people. I’m not happy about that,” Trump said.
Although the White House has not yet announced specific measures, officials confirmed that additional economic sanctions are under review.
Growing Pressure from Allies
European leaders have grown increasingly frustrated with what they perceive as Trump’s reluctance to fully align with their approach to the conflict. French President Emmanuel Macron expressed hope that Trump’s recent shift in tone could finally lead to stronger American action.
“We hope that President Trump’s comments today translate into tangible steps that show Russia there are consequences for escalation,” Macron said.
Russia continues to frame its war in Ukraine as a “special military operation” to protect itself from NATO encroachment. Ukraine and its allies maintain that Moscow’s actions constitute an unprovoked invasion aimed at territorial conquest.
As front-line fighting intensifies and diplomacy remains stalled, both sides appear to be hardening their positions, further complicating efforts to achieve a ceasefire or long-term settlement.
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