President Trump slams Putin on Memorial Day 2025 after Russian attack on Ukraine: “Putin has gone absolutely crazy"
After Russia launched its largest aerial assault on Ukraine since the war began, Donald Trump publicly condemned Vladimir Putin, calling him "absolutely crazy" and accusing him of needlessly killing civilians.
President Donald Trump blasted Russian President Vladimir Putin after a massive overnight strike attacked more than 30 Ukrainian cities and villages. In a post on Truth Social, Trump responded to the attacks, stating that Putin "has gone absolutely crazy" and is "needlessly killing a lot of people", including not just soldiers, but civilians.
Trump's post comes after Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the international response — including the U.S. response — immediately following the attacks. The weekend strikes left "at least" 12 people dead, including three children, and were reportedly the most extensive aerial assault since Russia began its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
Tensions rise as Trump blames leaders and defends softer approach
While denouncing Putin for his invasion, Trump has also attacked Zelensky, saying that Zelensky's inflammatory rhetoric is "causing problems" and "better stop." Trump blamed Zelensky, Putin, and Former President Biden, calling the war "Gross Incompetence and Hatred."
Trump's behavior towards Russia is less aggressive than other administrations. After Trump spoke to Putin on the phone last week, he walked back the call for a 30-day ceasefire. Unlike the European Union and United Kingdom, who released new sanctions against Russia's oil shipping fleet involving new parties, Trump did not impose new sanctions on Moscow.
Trump claims he had a good relationship with Putin, but with repeated attacks, the relationship is fading. Photo: BBC
Zelenskyy demands action, while peace talks and fighting continue
Ukrainian officials said that allies' indecision only encourages Russia. Zelenskyy wrote that every "terrorist Russian strike is a justification for new sanctions." His administration also reported the completion of a significant prisoner swap agreement, which is part of the "1,000-for-1,000" exchange, although the battles continue to rage on the front lines.
Moscow has said it will send Ukraine the drafting of a "long-term, sustainable" peace arrangement, once the prisoner swaps are complete. However, Ukrainian leaders were skeptical and stated that only continued pressure would maintain momentum to stop future attacks. "Moscow will fight until it is unable to produce and stockpile weapons," said Andriy Yermak, Zelenskyy's chief of staff.
