In a sharp departure from his typically cautious rhetoric regarding Russia, U.S. President Donald Trump issued a rare and biting condemnation of Russian President Vladimir Putin following Moscow’s most extensive aerial attack on Ukraine since the invasion began in 2022. Speaking to reporters in New Jersey late Sunday, Trump said he was “not happy” with Putin, asking, “What the hell happened to him? He’s killing a lot of people.”
The comments came after Russia launched a record 367 drones and missiles overnight, killing at least 12 people and injuring dozens across Ukrainian cities. Ukrainian officials confirmed that air raid sirens blared across several regions into Monday morning, including the northeastern city of Kharkiv, where a child was among the injured.
Trump, who has long touted his ability to manage relations with Moscow, appeared visibly angered. “I’ve known him a long time, always gotten along with him,” he said, “but he’s sending rockets into cities and killing people, and I don’t like it at all.” Later, in a post on his Truth Social platform, he described Putin as “absolutely crazy,” adding, “If he wants all of Ukraine, not just a piece, that will lead to the downfall of Russia!”
Zelensky Criticizes U.S. Silence, Calls for Tougher Sanctions
While Trump’s unusually stern words were welcomed by some allies of Ukraine, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky voiced frustration at Washington’s broader stance, warning that U.S. silence in the wake of recent Russian aggression was emboldening Putin. Zelensky called for “strong pressure” on Moscow, including stricter sanctions and more robust military aid.
“Each day of silence encourages the aggressor,” Zelensky said in a video address. “We need action—immediate and forceful. This is no time for ambiguity.”
Despite European allies pushing for fresh sanctions on Russia, Washington has not yet implemented new restrictions. Trump, when asked directly about further sanctions, responded, “Absolutely,” but offered no specific details or timeline. Analysts note that the U.S. administration has repeatedly threatened sanctions in the past without following through, leading to growing skepticism in Kyiv.
Trump Also Criticizes Zelensky’s Rhetoric: ‘It Better Stop’
While Trump condemned Putin’s actions, he also directed sharp criticism toward President Zelensky, accusing him of being counterproductive. “Zelensky is doing his country no favours by talking the way he does,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “Everything out of his mouth causes problems. I don’t like it, and it better stop.”
The U.S. president’s remarks have stirred debate in diplomatic circles, with some advisers expressing concern that Trump’s dual criticism risks undermining Ukraine’s leadership at a critical moment. However, Trump has consistently framed himself as a straight talker capable of mediating a resolution to the war.
Trump’s comments underscore his growing impatience with the stalled peace process, even as fighting continues to rage across multiple fronts. Ukrainian officials brushed off the criticism, reiterating their country’s right to call out aggression and demand international support.
Ceasefire Talks Stall Despite U.S.-Russia Phone Call
Amid escalating violence, Trump revealed that he had a two-hour phone call with Putin last week to discuss a proposed ceasefire agreement. Trump characterized the call as “very good,” saying both sides would “immediately start” negotiations toward ending the war. Ukraine has publicly agreed to a 30-day ceasefire, while Russia has committed only to exploring a “memorandum” on a possible future peace—a move widely seen as a stalling tactic.
The first direct talks between Ukrainian and Russian representatives since 2022 were held in Istanbul on May 16, but yielded little progress. Despite a major prisoner swap last week, hopes for a meaningful pause in the conflict remain elusive.
White House officials have indicated that if talks fail to show results soon, the U.S. may “walk away” from its mediation role. European leaders, meanwhile, continue to advocate for more assertive action against Moscow, fearing that delays only give Russia time to consolidate its territorial gains.
Russia Holds Firm Control Over Occupied Ukrainian Territories
As diplomacy flounders, the reality on the ground remains grim for Ukraine. Russian forces currently occupy approximately 20% of Ukraine’s territory, including Crimea, which was annexed in 2014. The latest barrage is seen by many analysts as part of Moscow’s effort to pressure Ukraine into negotiations on its terms.
Zelensky and his allies have vowed not to cede any Ukrainian land in a potential peace agreement, while Russia appears to be testing Western resolve through continued military escalation. With the U.S. administration now caught between increasing criticism of Putin and growing impatience with Zelensky, the road to a ceasefire remains uncertain.
For now, Ukraine’s battered cities brace for more attacks, and the international community watches anxiously to see whether the sharp rhetoric from Trump will finally translate into decisive U.S. action.
