President Donald Trump has publicly condemned Russian President Vladimir Putin following Russia’s most extensive aerial assault on Ukraine since the onset of the war. In a post on Truth Social, Trump declared, “He has gone absolutely CRAZY! He is needlessly killing a lot of people” .
Details of the Assault
Over the weekend, Russia launched a massive offensive involving hundreds of drones and missiles. Ukrainian officials reported that on Saturday night, 298 drones and 69 missiles were fired, followed by an additional 355 drones and nine cruise missiles on Sunday night . These attacks resulted in at least 12 deaths, numerous injuries, and significant damage to residential areas.
Trump’s Shift in Rhetoric
Trump’s recent statements mark a notable departure from his previous stance, where he often praised Putin and emphasized diplomatic engagement. Now, he criticizes Putin’s actions as senseless and destructive, suggesting that such aggression could lead to Russia’s downfall .
Criticism of Ukrainian Leadership
In addition to condemning Putin, Trump also criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, stating that Zelenskyy’s rhetoric is exacerbating tensions and hindering peace efforts .
International Reactions
The Kremlin responded to Trump’s remarks by attributing them to “emotional overload” and reaffirmed that Putin’s decisions are aimed at ensuring Russia’s national security .
Implications for U.S. Foreign Policy
Trump’s condemnation of Putin and the scale of the recent attacks have intensified discussions about the U.S.’s role in the conflict. While Trump has hinted at imposing new sanctions on Russia, he has also suggested that Europe should take a more significant role in supporting Ukraine .
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