Mon May 26 04:31:23 UTC 2025: **Summary:**
Following Russia’s largest aerial attack on Ukraine, which resulted in at least 13 deaths and widespread destruction, US President Donald Trump has publicly criticized Vladimir Putin, calling him “absolutely crazy” and hinting at potential new sanctions. Trump, who previously touted a strong relationship with Putin, expressed dismay at the escalating conflict and accused Putin of “killing a lot of people.” While condemning Putin’s actions, Trump also criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The attacks have drawn condemnation from European leaders, who are calling for increased international pressure and further sanctions on Russia. Despite recent prisoner exchanges and tentative peace talks, a resolution to the conflict remains elusive.
**News Article:**
**Trump Lambastes Putin After Massive Russian Attack on Ukraine, Hints at New Sanctions**
**Washington D.C.** – In a sharp departure from his past rhetoric, US President Donald Trump has strongly condemned Russian President Vladimir Putin following Russia’s most extensive aerial assault on Ukraine to date. The attacks, which left at least 13 dead, including children, prompted a rare rebuke from Trump, who described Putin as “absolutely crazy” on his Truth Social platform.
“I’ve always had a very good relationship with Vladimir Putin of Russia, but something has happened to him. He has gone absolutely CRAZY!” Trump wrote, adding, “I’m not happy with what Putin’s doing. He’s killing a lot of people… he’s sending rockets into cities and killing people, and I don’t like it at all.”
When questioned about potential new sanctions against Russia, Trump responded, “Absolutely.”
The Russian attack, which involved a record number of drones and missiles, has drawn international condemnation. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged for greater international pressure on Russia and specifically called for increased sanctions.
European leaders echoed Zelenskyy’s sentiments, with the EU’s top diplomat calling for “the strongest international pressure on Russia to stop this war” and Germany pledging to approve further sanctions at a European level.
Despite criticizing Putin’s actions, Trump also took aim at Zelenskyy, accusing him of “doing his Country no favors by talking the way he does.”
The escalation comes after recent prisoner exchanges and tentative peace talks, including a phone call between Trump and Putin. However, a lasting resolution to the conflict remains elusive. While Trump previously promised to resolve the war quickly upon returning to the White House, Putin has shown no commitment to halting the invasion. The situation underscores the ongoing challenges in achieving peace in Ukraine and the evolving dynamic between the US and Russia.