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A dramatic shift in rhetoric from a leader often seen as sympathetic to the Russian
president raises questions about the future of the Ukraine conflict and the U.S.'s
role in its resolution.
In a stunning departure from his typically deferential stance towards Vladimir
Putin, U.S. President Donald Trump has publicly labeled the Russian leader
"absolutely crazy" following Russia's largest aerial assault on Ukraine since the
full-scale invasion began in February 2022. The sharp condemnation, delivered via
social media and in remarks to reporters, signals a potentially significant
recalibration of Trump's position on the ongoing conflict and his relationship with
the Kremlin.
The remarks came in the wake of a brutal barrage of drones and missiles unleashed
by Russia over the weekend and into Monday, targeting Ukrainian cities and
claiming at least 13 civilian lives, with dozens more injured. Ukrainian officials
reported an unprecedented number of drone attacks, highlighting the escalating
intensity of the conflict. This latest escalation immediately followed a two-hour
phone call between Trump and Putin last week, during which Trump had expressed
optimism about initiating peace negotiations.
From "Very Well" to "Absolutely Crazy": A Swift Reversal
Just days prior, Trump had described his phone conversation with Putin as having
gone "very well," suggesting that Russia and Ukraine would "immediately start"
negotiations toward a ceasefire. This sentiment was widely interpreted as a sign of
continued American efforts to broker a peace deal, often framed with an emphasis
on a negotiated settlement that might involve territorial concessions from
Ukraine. Indeed, the Trump administration has, at times, faced criticism for
seemingly aligning with some of Putin's demands, such as downplaying Ukraine's
NATO ambitions or suggesting Ukraine should be prepared to make "difficult
things" in the pursuit of peace.
However, the scale and brutality of the recent Russian attacks appear to have
triggered a forceful reaction from Trump. In a post on Truth Social, he wrote: "I've
always had a very good relationship with Vladimir Putin of Russia, but something
has happened to him. He has gone absolutely CRAZY! He is needlessly killing a lot
of people, and I'm not just talking about soldiers. Missiles and drones are being
shot into Cities in Ukraine, for no reason whatsoever."
Speaking to reporters in New Jersey, Trump reiterated his dismay: "I'm not happy
with what Putin's doing. He's killing a lot of people. I don't know what the hell
happened to him, right? He's sending rockets into cities and killing people, and I
don't like it at all." He even raised the possibility of imposing more sanctions on
Russia, a measure he has repeatedly threatened but rarely implemented during his
prior presidency.
The Kremlin's Measured Response and the Shifting Narrative
The Kremlin's response to Trump's fiery comments was notably understated. Dmitry
Peskov, Putin's spokesman, attributed Trump's remarks to "emotional overload,"
while simultaneously expressing gratitude for Trump's efforts in organizing and
launching the negotiation process. This seemingly contradictory reaction suggests
a desire to de-escalate the rhetorical tension while acknowledging Trump's
continued engagement in peace efforts.
This exchange highlights the delicate and often unpredictable nature of the
relationship between the two leaders, and the complex diplomatic dance
surrounding the Ukraine war. For years, Trump has been an outlier among Western
leaders in his public pronouncements about Putin, often praising the Russian
leader and expressing a desire for warmer relations. This perceived affinity has
drawn criticism from allies and domestic opponents alike, who have argued it
emboldens Putin and undermines international efforts to hold Russia accountable
for its aggression.
The "absolutely crazy" remark, therefore, marks a significant departure. It suggests
that even for a leader who has consistently sought to avoid direct confrontation
with Putin, the sheer scale of the recent civilian casualties and the blatant
disregard for ongoing peace efforts may have crossed a red line.
Implications for Peace Efforts and International Relations
The immediate implications of Trump's shifted rhetoric are multi-faceted. On one
hand, it could be interpreted as a genuine hardening of his stance, signaling a
willingness to exert greater pressure on Moscow. The mention of potential new
sanctions, if followed through, would represent a concrete step in this direction
. This could potentially align the U.S. more closely with its European allies, who
have consistently advocated for stronger sanctions and increased support for
Ukraine.
On the other hand, Trump's history of fluctuating pronouncements and his
tendency to mix praise with criticism leave room for skepticism about the
permanence of this shift. His simultaneous criticism of Ukrainian President
Volodymyr Zelenskyy, whom he accused of "doing his country no favors by talking
the way he does" and causing "problems," further complicates the picture. This
dual criticism suggests that Trump's primary focus remains on achieving a swift
end to the war, regardless of the nuanced political and territorial realities. He
appears to view both leaders as obstacles to his perceived ability to broker a quick
deal.
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, for his part, has consistently urged stronger
international action against Russia, and has implicitly criticized what he perceives
as a lack of decisive U.S. response to Russian aggression. His recent comments
about "America's silence" encouraging Putin underscore Ukraine's desire for
unwavering support and increased pressure on Moscow. Trump's latest remarks,
while critical of Putin, also carry a distinct tone of frustration with Zelenskyy,
indicating a desire for both sides to meet his expectations for a swift resolution.
The broader international community will be closely watching to see if this verbal
shift from Trump translates into tangible policy changes. European leaders, many
of whom have expressed deep concern over the war and a desire for continued
transatlantic unity, will be particularly attentive. A more robust and unified U.S.
stance against Russian aggression could bolster international efforts to support
Ukraine and isolate Russia. Conversely, a return to a more conciliatory approach or
a continued emphasis on a quick, potentially unfavorable peace deal for Ukraine,
could create further divisions within the Western alliance.
The Road Ahead: Unpredictability and Urgency
The Ukraine conflict continues to be a devastating humanitarian crisis and a major
geopolitical challenge. The recent barrage of Russian attacks serves as a stark
reminder of the urgency of finding a lasting resolution. Trump's sudden and
forceful condemnation of Putin, while surprising, adds another layer of complexity
to an already intricate diplomatic landscape.
Whether this marks a genuine and sustained shift in Trump's approach, or simply a
momentary expression of frustration, remains to be seen. His unique brand of
diplomacy, characterized by direct and often unfiltered pronouncements, defies
easy categorization. However, the sheer ferocity of his latest remarks about Putin
underscores the growing international pressure to address the escalating violence
in Ukraine. The world now waits to see if this verbal fire translates into a more
resolute and impactful U.S. policy aimed at holding Russia accountable and
bringing an end to the "absolutely crazy" violence. The stakes, for Ukraine and for
global stability, could not be higher.
Washington D.C. - President Donald Trump has sharply criticized Russian President
Vladimir Putin following a devastating barrage of drone and missile attacks on
Ukrainian cities Sunday evening, saying he was "not happy" with the Russian
leader and that Putin had gone "absolutely CRAZY!" This marked a notable shift in
tone from Trump, who has often boasted of his good relationship with Putin and
previously stated he could end the three-year war in "24 hours."
The widespread Russian assault, described by the Ukrainian Air Force as the largest
aerial attack of the war, saw 355 drones and nine cruise missiles strike dozens of
Ukrainian cities, including the capital, Kyiv. The attacks left at least 12 people dead
and dozens injured, following heavy bombardment on Ukrainian cities the day
prior and continuing into Monday.
Speaking to reporters Sunday, President Trump expressed his dismay. "I don't know
what the hell happened to Putin," Trump said. "I've known him a long time, always
gotten along with him but he's sending rockets into cities and killing people, and I
don't like it at all." When asked if he would consider more sanctions on Russia,
Trump responded, "absolutely."
Later on social media, Trump intensified his criticism, declaring Putin "has gone
absolutely CRAZY!" and was "needlessly killing a lot of people." He also suggested
a broader aspiration from Putin, writing, "I've always said that he wants ALL of
Ukraine, not just a piece of it. But if he does, it will lead to the downfall of Russia!"
This contradicts earlier statements from his chief negotiator, Steve Witkoff, who
two months ago suggested Russia had no reason to "absorb Ukraine."
The Kremlin, however, played down Trump's remarks. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry
Peskov attributed Trump's comments to "emotional overload" and, remarkably,
thanked Trump for his efforts to initiate a negotiation process to end the war. "We
are really grateful to the Americans and to President Trump personally for their
assistance in organizing and launching this negotiation process," Peskov told
reporters.
Despite the recent two-hour phone call between Trump and Putin last week, which
Trump had described as going "very well" and expected to lead to immediate
ceasefire negotiations, progress remains elusive. Ukraine had agreed to an
unconditional 30-day ceasefire proposed by the U.S., but Putin rejected it.
Trump also had strong words for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, with
whom he has a strained relationship. "Everything out of his mouth causes
problems. I don't like it, and it better stop," Trump stated on social media.
However, in a subsequent conversation with leaders from Germany, France, Italy,
Finland, and the European Commission, Trump presented a different perspective,
suggesting Putin believed he was winning and would press his advantage.
According to officials briefed on the call, Trump indicated he had no intention of
applying pressure or harsh economic sanctions on Russia, stating, "I'm out." This
echoes Vice President JD Vance's public statement about being "more than open to
walking away."
This stance marks a significant shift from a commitment Trump made just weeks
prior to European leaders to join an economic crackdown on Russia if it refused a
ceasefire. Notably, when Trump announced his "Liberation Day" sanctions on
trading partners in early April, Russia was largely exempt. White House officials
have since stated that sanctions on Russia have a poor track record and would not
be in U.S. interests.
Beyond economics, Trump's withdrawal of pressure on Russia extends to the Justice
Department's effort to collect evidence of Russian war crimes in Ukraine. On the
third anniversary of the war, the United States notably refused to vote for a United
Nations declaration identifying Russia as the aggressor, aligning Washington with
North Korea rather than its NATO allies.
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, despite his prickly relationship with Trump, has
refrained from directly criticizing the U.S. President. However, in his own social
media post on Monday, Zelenskyy pressed for more economic sanctions, arguing
that "only a feeling of total impunity can allow Russia to launch such strikes."
Trump himself has seemingly aimed to move past the conflict, recently musing
about normalizing relations with Moscow. After his call with Putin, he wrote,
"Russia wants to do large scale TRADE with the United States when this
catastrophic 'blood bath' is over, and I agree."
The apparent inconsistency in Trump's approach, from predicting a swift end to the
war he once claimed he could resolve in "24 hours" (a comment he now says was
sarcastic) to now labeling Putin "crazy" while simultaneously pulling back on
pressure, leaves many questioning the path forward for U.S. policy on the conflict.
The weekend's brutal attacks underscore the deepening complexities and human
cost of the ongoing war.
