The overnight barrage on Sunday (May 26) involved 367 drones and missiles, including Iranian-designed Shahed drones, resulting in at least 13 civilian deaths and dozens of injuries across Ukrainian cities. “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 on Truth Social. “Missiles and drones are being shot into Cities in Ukraine, for no reason whatsoever.”
Also Read: Russia launches war’s largest air attack on Ukraine, kills 13 people
Trump further warned that Putin’s ambition to seize all of Ukraine could precipitate Russia’s downfall. “I’ve always said that he wants ALL of Ukraine, not just a piece of it, and maybe that’s proving to be right, but if he does, it will lead to the downfall of Russia!”
The president also criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, stating, “Likewise, President Zelenskyy is doing his Country no favors by talking the way he does. Everything out of his mouth causes problems, I don’t like it, and it better stop.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky earlier said Washington’s “silence” over recent Russian attacks was encouraging Putin, urging “strong pressure,” including tougher sanctions, on Moscow.
Trump attributed the ongoing conflict to the actions of Zelenskyy, Putin, and former President Joe Biden, asserting, “This is a War that would never have started if I were President. This is Zelenskyy’s, Putin’s, and Biden’s War, not ‘Trump’s.’ I am only helping to put out the big and ugly fires that have been started through Gross Incompetence and Hatred.”
The recent escalation comes despite a significant prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine. However, peace negotiations remain stalled, as Russia declined a US brokered 30-day ceasefire proposal.
In response to the attacks, NATO scrambled fighter jets and heightened defenses along its eastern flank. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy labeled the assault a terrorist act and urged for further international sanctions against Russia.
Trump’s condemnation marks a notable shift from his previously amicable stance toward Putin, reflecting growing international concern over Russia’s aggressive actions in Ukraine.
