Former U.S. President Donald Trump issued a sharp rebuke of Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday following one of the most extensive aerial attacks on Ukraine since the war began. The remarks come amid renewed efforts to broker a cease-fire agreement between Kyiv and Moscow.
Speaking to reporters in New Jersey, Trump expressed alarm at Russia’s actions. “I’m not happy with what Putin’s doing. He’s killing a lot of people,” Trump said. “I don’t know what the hell happened to Putin… He’s sending rockets into cities and killing people, and I don’t like it at all. I’m very surprised.”
Trump later doubled down on his criticism in a Truth Social post, declaring that Putin “has gone absolutely CRAZY,” and accusing the Russian leader of “needlessly killing a lot of people — and I’m not just talking about soldiers.” He added, “I’ve always said that he wants all of Ukraine, not just a piece of it. If he does, it will lead to the downfall of Russia.”
Trump also took aim at Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, warning that “everything out of his mouth causes problems.” He urged more measured rhetoric from both sides as cease-fire discussions continue.
The comments followed a night of intense bombardment across Ukraine. President Zelensky reported nearly 300 attack drones and 70 missiles launched by Russian forces, killing at least 12 civilians. “Russia continues to kill every day,” Zelensky said. “Silence from America and others only encourages Putin.”
Russia’s Defense Ministry, meanwhile, claimed to have intercepted 95 Ukrainian drones over a four-hour period during the same timeframe.
In the wake of the attacks, Trump’s special envoy for Ukraine and Russia, General Keith Kellogg, condemned the strikes. “This is Kyiv. The indiscriminate killing of women and children… is a clear violation of the 1977 Geneva Peace Protocols,” he posted on X, calling for an “immediate cease-fire.”
Despite the violence, a significant prisoner exchange between Ukraine and Russia proceeded as planned on Sunday. According to Zelensky, 303 Ukrainian troops were returned home in the third phase of a 1,000-for-1,000 swap deal brokered in Turkey.
The new escalation casts a shadow over recent diplomatic overtures. Trump spoke with Putin for two hours on May 19, later describing the conversation as positive. He subsequently contacted Zelensky and other European leaders, expressing hope that a cease-fire could be reached quickly.
Zelensky called the developments a “defining moment,” reiterating Ukraine’s readiness for an unconditional cease-fire. “If the Russians are not ready to stop the killings, there must be stronger sanctions,” he said.
While tensions between Trump and Zelensky have flared in the past, recent talks — including a private meeting in Rome last month — have signaled a more unified approach in pursuit of peace.
