Trump Blasts Putin Over Ukraine Strike, Warns of Russia’s ‘Downfall’—But Also Criticizes Zelenskyy

By Kamaran Aziz

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) — U.S. President Donald Trump issued a blistering condemnation of Russian President Vladimir Putin following what Ukrainian officials described as the largest aerial attack of the war so far, while also turning sharp criticism toward Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and defending his own role in the ongoing conflict.

In a post on Truth Social late Sunday, Trump declared that Putin "has gone absolutely CRAZY!" and accused the Russian leader of "needlessly killing a lot of people" in a wave of missile and drone strikes that struck Ukrainian cities over the weekend.

“I’ve always had a very good relationship with Vladimir Putin of Russia,” Trump wrote, “but something has happened to him. Missiles and drones are being shot into Cities in Ukraine, for no reason whatsoever. 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!”

Massive Strike Prompts International Outcry

As reported by Fox News, the Russian assault involved 298 drones and 69 missiles targeting more than 30 Ukrainian cities and villages. Ukrainian officials confirmed that at least 12 people, including three children, were killed and dozens more injured. The barrage, which began overnight and continued into Sunday, was described by Kyiv as the most extensive aerial attack since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022.

President Trump addressed the attack during a press briefing at Morristown Municipal Airport, telling reporters: “I’m not happy with what Putin is doing. He’s killing a lot of people, and I don’t know what the hell happened to Putin.”

“I’ve known him a long time, always gotten along with him, but he’s sending rockets into cities and killing people, and I don’t like it at all,” he added.

Trump’s criticism of Putin marks a notable shift in tone, as he has often boasted about his diplomatic rapport with the Russian leader. However, Sunday’s deadly air raid appears to have hardened the U.S. president’s stance.

Zelenskyy Reacts: ‘Silence Encourages Putin’

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy responded to the Russian strike by demanding urgent global action. “There was a really large-scale and vicious Russian attack,” he said. “Ballistics and some missiles were shot down. There were also 250 drones: most of them were ‘shaheds’. Every night our forces work to save lives.”

In a Telegram post, Zelenskyy called for a “tough reaction” from the U.S., Europe, and the international community, adding that “Putin has repeatedly rejected the ceasefire. Every day he takes lives, every day gives reasons for new sanctions against Russia.”

As reported by Politico, Zelenskyy also criticized the lack of a strong response from international allies: “The silence of America, the silence of others in the world only encourages Putin.”

Trump Hits Back at Zelenskyy, Deflects Blame

Despite condemning Putin, Trump used his social media post to rebuke Zelenskyy as well. “President Zelenskyy is doing his Country no favors by talking the way he does,” Trump wrote. “Everything out of his mouth causes problems, I don’t like it, and it better stop.”

The U.S. president once again asserted that the war would not have occurred had he remained in office during Russia’s 2022 invasion. “This is a War that would never have started if I were President,” he declared. “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.”

As The Guardian noted, Trump’s remarks came just one week after a two-hour call between him and Putin aimed at brokering a 30-day ceasefire. The strike appears to have derailed those diplomatic efforts.

When asked by reporters whether he would consider expanding sanctions on Russia, Trump responded affirmatively: “Absolutely. He’s killing a lot of people. What the hell happened to him?”

However, Trump has so far resisted Kyiv’s push for immediate punitive measures against Moscow. According to The Guardian, Ukraine’s effort to secure a 30-day ceasefire, backed by European allies, was undercut by Trump’s decision not to impose further sanctions after Putin rejected the truce.

Mixed Messaging from Washington

Trump’s dual criticism—condemning Putin while berating Zelenskyy—has generated confusion among both allies and critics. While his administration insists it is working toward peace, the president’s rhetoric has fueled concern in Kyiv and Europe that U.S. policy remains unclear.

Zelenskyy’s chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, underscored the need for international pressure: “Without pressure, nothing will change, and Russia and its allies will only build up forces for such murders in western countries,” he said. “Moscow will fight as long as it has the ability to produce weapons.”

Trump, who has campaigned on the promise that he could end the war in Ukraine within “24 hours,” now faces mounting scrutiny as his claims meet the realities of a brutal and unrelenting conflict.

Turning Point or Political Theater?

Sunday’s developments underscore the escalating humanitarian toll of the war and the fraught political dynamics surrounding it. While Trump’s statements suggest a growing frustration with Putin, his antagonism toward Zelenskyy and reluctance to commit to harsher sanctions leave many questions unanswered.

With Kyiv Day — a symbol of resilience and unity — overshadowed by mass death and destruction, the international community is once again confronted with the urgency of forging a coherent and unified response. Whether Trump’s remarks mark a genuine policy shift or merely serve to shift blame remains a matter of intense speculation.