Former U.S. President Donald Trump on Sunday described Russian President Vladimir Putin as “completely crazy” over his ongoing attacks on Ukrainian cities, warning that a full takeover attempt of Ukraine could result in Russia’s downfall.
Trump’s remarks come in the wake of a deadly Russian drone assault that killed at least 13 civilians in Ukraine, despite a recent prisoner exchange and renewed U.S. pressure for a ceasefire.
In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump said,
“I always had a very good relationship with President Vladimir Putin, but something happened to him. He’s gone totally nuts.
I’ve always said he wants all of Ukraine, not just a part of it — and maybe that turns out to be true. But if he tries it, that’ll mean the fall of Russia.”
Trump also criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, a frequent target of his, accusing him of inflaming tensions with his rhetoric.
“Everything that comes out of his mouth causes problems. I don’t like it. He needs to stop,” Trump said.
Earlier in the day, speaking to reporters on the tarmac at Morristown Airport in New Jersey, Trump expressed his disapproval of Putin’s use of drones in Ukraine:
“I’m upset about what Putin is doing. He’s killing a lot of people. I’ve known him a long time. I used to get along with him, but now he’s firing missiles into cities and killing people. I don’t like that at all.”
While Trump has historically expressed admiration for Putin, his tone has shifted in recent weeks as peace talks between Russia and Ukraine remain stalled. Some of Trump’s European allies and even members of his Republican Party have called for increased pressure on Moscow to agree to a ceasefire.
Trump stopped short of issuing a direct ultimatum but hinted that he may walk away from the negotiating table if no progress is made.
When asked about possible sanctions, he responded:
“Definitely, I’m considering stronger sanctions in response to the recent violence. Putin is killing a lot of people. I don’t know what the hell is wrong with him.”
His comments contrast sharply with testimony given earlier this week by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who told Congress that Trump believes threatening sanctions now could cause Russia to abandon negotiations altogether.
Trump and Putin reportedly spoke in a two-hour phone call on Monday. Afterward, Trump claimed that Moscow and Kyiv would “immediately begin negotiations toward a ceasefire.”
However, no firm commitments were made by the Kremlin. Instead, Putin merely floated the idea of submitting a memorandum detailing Russia’s demands for peace.
— (Agencies)
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Former U.S. President Donald Trump on Sunday described Russian President Vladimir Putin as “completely crazy” over his ongoing attacks on Ukrainian cities, warning that a full takeover attempt of Ukraine could result in Russia’s downfall.
Trump’s remarks come in the wake of a deadly Russian drone assault that killed at least 13 civilians in Ukraine, despite a recent prisoner exchange and renewed U.S. pressure for a ceasefire.
In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump said,
“I always had a very good relationship with President Vladimir Putin, but something happened to him. He’s gone totally nuts.
I’ve always said he wants all of Ukraine, not just a part of it — and maybe that turns out to be true. But if he tries it, that’ll mean the fall of Russia.”
Trump also criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, a frequent target of his, accusing him of inflaming tensions with his rhetoric.
“Everything that comes out of his mouth causes problems. I don’t like it. He needs to stop,” Trump said.
Earlier in the day, speaking to reporters on the tarmac at Morristown Airport in New Jersey, Trump expressed his disapproval of Putin’s use of drones in Ukraine:
“I’m upset about what Putin is doing. He’s killing a lot of people. I’ve known him a long time. I used to get along with him, but now he’s firing missiles into cities and killing people. I don’t like that at all.”
While Trump has historically expressed admiration for Putin, his tone has shifted in recent weeks as peace talks between Russia and Ukraine remain stalled. Some of Trump’s European allies and even members of his Republican Party have called for increased pressure on Moscow to agree to a ceasefire.
Trump stopped short of issuing a direct ultimatum but hinted that he may walk away from the negotiating table if no progress is made.
When asked about possible sanctions, he responded:
“Definitely, I’m considering stronger sanctions in response to the recent violence. Putin is killing a lot of people. I don’t know what the hell is wrong with him.”
His comments contrast sharply with testimony given earlier this week by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who told Congress that Trump believes threatening sanctions now could cause Russia to abandon negotiations altogether.
Trump and Putin reportedly spoke in a two-hour phone call on Monday. Afterward, Trump claimed that Moscow and Kyiv would “immediately begin negotiations toward a ceasefire.”
However, no firm commitments were made by the Kremlin. Instead, Putin merely floated the idea of submitting a memorandum detailing Russia’s demands for peace.
— (Agencies)
