Former U.S. President Donald Trump has launched his most scathing attack yet on Russian President Vladimir Putin, calling him “absolutely CRAZY” in response to a wave of deadly missile and drone strikes that killed at least a dozen people in Ukraine.
In a social media post that caught global attention, Trump wrote:
“Missiles and drones are being shot into Cities in Ukraine, for no reason whatsoever. Innocent civilians are being killed, and it’s absolutely CRAZY!”
From Cold Diplomacy to Open Criticism
The statement marks a notable shift in Trump’s stance. Throughout his political career, Trump has often emphasized his rapport with Putin. But in the wake of recent violence—including strikes that reportedly targeted non-military zones—Trump didn’t hold back.
“I’ve always had a very good relationship with Vladimir Putin of Russia, but something has happened to him. He wants to own and control all of Ukraine, and that would be a disaster for Russia,” Trump said.
Peace Talks in Peril
On the ground, the situation keeps becoming worse. According to reports, the Biden administration has backed backchannel attempts to mediate a settlement, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has indicated that he would consider a ceasefire proposal.
So far, Moscow has not responded positively to any truce. Instead, it continues to ramp up its attacks, even as global condemnation grows.
Sanctions and Strategy
Trump hasn’t spelled out a full alternative strategy yet, but he has hinted that more aggressive measures could be back on the table. He referenced possible sanctions, though no concrete proposals have been laid out. Still, his rhetoric alone could reshape the Republican stance on U.S.-Russia relations heading into the 2024 elections.
The EU, meanwhile, has already pushed through a new round of sanctions aimed at key sectors of the Russian economy, including defense and energy. With Trump’s remarks, pressure may mount for the U.S. to follow suit.
A Pivotal Moment
As the conflict enters another grim chapter, Trump’s unfiltered statement has added a new dimension to the West’s response. It’s rare for him to take such a harsh public stance, especially against a leader he once praised. But with civilian casualties rising and peace talks stalling, even Trump appears to have had enough.
The world now waits to see if his words mark a temporary outburst—or the beginning of a more hardline shift in Republican foreign policy thinking.
