U.S. President Donald Trump has sharply criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin, calling him “absolutely crazy” after Moscow launched its largest aerial assault on Ukraine since the full-scale invasion began in 2022.

Speaking to reporters in New Jersey late Sunday, Trump expressed frustration over Putin’s latest military actions. “I’ve known him a long time and always got along with him,” Trump said. 

“But he’s launching rockets into cities, killing people — and I don’t like it at all.” He questioned Putin’s motives, asking, “What the hell happened to him?”

The remarks came after Russia fired 367 drones and missiles overnight, killing at least 12 people and injuring dozens across Ukraine. 

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky criticized what he called Washington’s “silence” on the attacks, urging stronger sanctions and international pressure against Moscow.

In Kharkiv, three people, including a child, were wounded, while two others were injured in Zaporizhzhia. Meanwhile, Russian air defences downed two Ukrainian drones near Moscow, with no reported casualties.

Trump hinted at tougher U.S. sanctions on Russia but has yet to impose new restrictions. On his Truth Social account, he reiterated concerns about Putin’s ambitions: “He wants all of Ukraine, not just part of it… If he does, it will be Russia’s downfall.” 

However, Trump also took aim at Zelensky, saying the Ukrainian leader’s rhetoric was “causing problems” and “better stop.”

While European allies prepare further sanctions, the U.S. remains focused on ceasefire negotiations. Trump revealed he had a two-hour phone call with Putin last week regarding a proposed truce. 

Although Ukraine has agreed to a 30-day ceasefire, Putin has only committed to drafting a future peace memorandum — a move Kyiv views as a stalling tactic. 

Peace talks resumed in Istanbul on May 16, but substantial progress remains elusive.

Source: BBC

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