Tensions between Russia and the United States have resurfaced through a sharp exchange of words, following former U.S. President Donald Trump’s remarks describing Russian President Vladimir Putin as “absolutely crazy.” The statement came in response to Russia’s largest aerial assault on Ukraine since the war began in 2022, which killed at least 13 people and injured dozens.
Writing on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump said,
“Something has happened to Putin… He has gone absolutely crazy. Needlessly killing a lot of people.”
Kremlin’s Response
The Kremlin was quick to respond. Dmitry Peskov, spokesman for President Putin, attributed Trump’s comments to what he called
“an emotional overload of all those involved.”
Peskov further stated that Russia’s recent aerial assaults were in retaliation for Ukrainian attacks on Russia’s civilian infrastructure.
Scale of the Attack
Between Saturday night and Sunday, Russia launched 367 missiles and drones on Ukraine. Ukrainian officials described it as the most extensive aerial attack since the full-scale invasion began in February 2022. In a separate incident between Sunday and Monday, Ukraine reported that 355 drones were fired, resulting in 10 deaths.
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the attacks, saying:
“There is no military logic behind it. This is a deliberate political decision by Putin—to prolong the war and destroy lives.”
Shift in Germany’s Position
In a significant development, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said that Ukraine’s allies had removed all range restrictions on the weapons they provide.
“Ukraine can now defend itself by targeting military positions inside Russia. It didn’t do this before, but now it can,” Merz said.
Although there has been no official confirmation, speculation is growing that Germany may soon announce the delivery of long-range Taurus missiles to Ukraine—a move Russia has called “dangerous.”
Trump’s Remarks on Putin and Zelensky
Speaking at a rally in New Jersey, Trump, who has previously claimed good relations with Putin, said:
“He’s launching rockets into cities and killing people—I don’t like it at all.”
Trump also criticized Ukrainian President Zelensky, stating:
“He’s doing his country no favors by talking the way he does. Everything out of his mouth causes problems.”
Despite strong words, Trump suggested that he may consider increasing sanctions on Russia and revealed he recently held a two-hour phone call with Putin to discuss a U.S.-backed ceasefire proposal.
Efforts Toward Ceasefire
According to Trump, both Russia and Ukraine expressed readiness to begin peace negotiations. Ukraine has publicly agreed to a 30-day ceasefire, while Russia has so far proposed working on a “memorandum” for a “possible future peace,” a stance Kyiv and European leaders regard as a stalling tactic.
The first direct talks between Ukrainian and Russian officials since 2022 were held on May 16 in Istanbul. Despite a recent prisoner exchange, little progress has been made toward a broader peace agreement.
