Trump Says Putin ‘Has Gone Absolutely Crazy’ After Major Russian Attacks on Ukraine

In a rare and sharp condemnation of Russian President Vladimir Putin, former U.S. President Donald Trump declared on Monday that Putin “has gone absolutely crazy” following a massive weekend aerial assault by Russia on Ukraine. The strikes, which began late on May 25 and extended into May 26, marked one of the deadliest and most destructive attacks since the start of the war nearly three years ago.

At least 12 civilians were reported killed, including three children, with dozens more injured in a series of coordinated drone and missile attacks launched by Russian forces targeting cities across Ukraine, including Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Lviv. The attacks caused widespread destruction to residential neighborhoods and critical infrastructure, with preliminary damage assessments estimating costs upward of $1.2 billion.

The Deadliest Air Assault in Months

Russian military forces unleashed a barrage of 367 drones and missiles in a calculated attempt to cripple Ukraine’s military and civilian infrastructure. Ukrainian officials described the weekend strikes as the most intense single-day aerial attack in the conflict since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in February 2022.

Cities across Ukraine were rattled by explosions, forcing thousands to seek shelter underground. Emergency services in Kharkiv and Kyiv worked tirelessly through the night to rescue survivors from collapsed buildings and attend to the injured. In the Lviv region, a residential area was hit directly, resulting in multiple fatalities and displacing hundreds of families.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the attacks as a “barbaric assault” on innocent civilians, underscoring the resilience of his country’s people despite the sustained onslaught. “This aggression violates all norms of humanity and international law,” Zelenskyy said in a televised address. “But we will not break. Ukraine will prevail.”

Trump’s Strong Reproach of Putin

Donald Trump’s statement marked a significant shift from his previous more ambiguous or conciliatory tone toward Putin. Posting on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump wrote: “Putin has gone absolutely crazy. The level of violence and destruction we are seeing in Ukraine is unacceptable and must be stopped immediately.”

He went on to call for a “stronger and smarter” approach in U.S. foreign policy toward Russia, suggesting a reevaluation of sanctions and military aid. “Sanctions must be tough and effective. America must lead with strength, or we risk losing the moral high ground,” Trump stated.

While he criticized Putin, Trump also expressed frustration with Ukrainian leadership, particularly President Zelenskyy’s refusal to negotiate on contentious territories like Crimea. “There has to be give and take,” Trump said. “Otherwise, this conflict will drag on endlessly, with no end in sight.”

The Cost of War: Human and Material Toll

According to Ukraine’s Ministry of Internal Affairs, the weekend attacks resulted in at least 12 civilian deaths, with more than 40 wounded. Several buildings, including schools, hospitals, power substations, and residential complexes, sustained severe damage. Satellite imagery reviewed by independent analysts showed entire blocks reduced to rubble, with some areas requiring months or years to rebuild.

The destruction is estimated to exceed $1.2 billion USD, encompassing infrastructure repairs, emergency services, and displacement costs. The United Nations has reported that since the war began, more than 13,000 civilians have died, and over 32,000 have been injured. Over 8 million Ukrainians have fled the country, triggering one of the largest refugee crises in modern European history.

Hospitals, especially in eastern Ukraine, face shortages of medical supplies and staff, grappling with the surge of casualties. “The human cost is unimaginable,” said Dr. Marina Holub, a trauma surgeon in Kharkiv. “Every day brings new victims, and many of our hospitals operate beyond capacity.”

International Reactions and Military Aid

The weekend’s attacks have galvanized further international support for Ukraine. The United States, United Kingdom, Germany, and France announced the removal of restrictions on the range of weapons supplied to Ukraine, including long-range cruise missiles capable of striking up to 200 miles inside Russian territory.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized the importance of enabling Ukraine to defend its sovereignty. “We stand firmly with Ukraine and will continue to provide the support necessary to resist aggression,” Blinken said.

The Kremlin condemned these moves, labeling them provocative and accusing Western nations of escalating the conflict. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov dismissed Trump’s remarks as “emotional outbursts” not reflective of official U.S. policy, reiterating Russia’s position that their military operations target only legitimate military infrastructure.

A Complex Political Landscape

Trump’s statement reflects the complexities of international politics surrounding the war. His vocal criticism has drawn praise from some quarters for taking a tougher stance on Russia, yet his prior history of praise for Putin and mixed messages on Ukraine complicate his position.

Many political analysts view his comments as an attempt to reassert influence ahead of the 2024 U.S. presidential election, appealing to voters concerned about foreign policy and national security.

On the other hand, critics accuse Trump of opportunism, highlighting how previous administrations' policies contributed to the current crisis. Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT) remarked, “Trump’s rhetoric is convenient, but it does not erase years of emboldening Putin.”

The Ongoing Humanitarian Crisis

Despite diplomatic efforts and ceasefire talks, the war continues to take a heavy toll. Millions of civilians remain displaced within Ukraine, with entire towns devastated by fighting and bombardments. Aid organizations warn that winter shortages and damaged infrastructure threaten to worsen the humanitarian situation.

The United Nations and international agencies call for renewed peace talks and stronger international pressure to end the violence. But with both sides entrenched—Ukraine demanding full territorial restoration, including Crimea, and Russia maintaining control over annexed regions—the path to peace remains fraught.

Looking Ahead

As the conflict reaches its third year, global eyes remain fixed on Ukraine, watching how military, diplomatic, and humanitarian efforts unfold. Former President Trump’s blunt criticism of Putin underscores the escalating urgency and complexity of the situation.

“Peace will not come from weakness or indecision,” Trump concluded. “It requires resolve, clear strategy, and the willingness to stand up for what is right.”

While the world hopes for a peaceful resolution, the war’s human and economic costs continue to mount, reminding all of the profound stakes involved.