In a bold move, former U.S. President Donald Trump has delivered his strongest verbal assault yet against Russian leader Vladimir Putin. Following the most lethal bombing since the onset of the war in Ukraine, Trump expressed his outrage in a striking statement: "He's gone completely mad." This comment, shared on his platform Truth Social, signifies a dramatic shift in Trump’s stance, considering his previously amicable relations with the Kremlin's head.
"I've always had a very good relationship with Vladimir Putin of Russia, but something's happened to him. He's gone completely MAD!" Trump exclaimed, visibly disturbed by the scale of the Russian attack, which resulted in at least 12 fatalities, including three children, and numerous injuries.
Trump's Fury Over Russian Aggression
The indiscriminate nature of the assaults seemed to particularly affect Trump. "He's killing a lot of people unnecessarily, and I'm not just talking about soldiers. Missiles and drones are being launched against cities in Ukraine for no reason at all," he criticized.
For Trump, these recent events validate his longstanding suspicion: "I've always said he wants ALL of Ukraine, not just a part, and maybe that's proving true. But if he tries, that will lead to Russia's downfall!" he warned.
Escalating Tensions Amidst Failed Diplomacy
This weekend's Russian offensive, deemed the most extensive in terms of deployed weaponry, involved the launch of 298 drones and 69 missiles in one night. Cities like Kyiv, Kharkiv, Mykolaiv, and Khmelnytskyi were severely impacted, with significant damage to civilian infrastructure and widespread power outages.
Trump's outburst comes at a particularly sensitive time. Just days earlier, he engaged in a two-hour phone conversation with Putin to discuss a possible ceasefire, an initiative supported by the United States. Nevertheless, the Russian attack coincided with a prisoner exchange, which, for Trump, underscores the contradictions exacerbating the crisis and undermines any diplomatic efforts.
Criticism Extends to Zelensky and Biden
Trump's message didn't spare Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky, whom he critiqued for what he perceives as counterproductive rhetoric during wartime. "Similarly, President Zelensky is doing his country no favors with his manner of speaking. Everything he says causes problems. I don't like it, and he'd better stop," Trump remarked.
The former president also took aim at his successor, Joe Biden, holding him accountable for the conflict's escalation. He insists that under his leadership, the war would never have started, and now his role is to try to contain chaos ignited by others. "This war never would have begun if I were president. This is the war of Zelensky, Putin, and Biden, not 'Trump.' I'm just helping to extinguish the big, ugly fires ignited by great incompetence and hate," he declared.
Meanwhile, the conflict rages on. In tandem with the verbal clash, a prisoner exchange involving 1,000 captives on each side took place between Russia and Ukraine, marking one of the few recent gestures of de-escalation. However, peace talks remain stalled.
The Future of U.S. Foreign Policy?
Moscow controls approximately 20% of Ukrainian territory, including Crimea, and violence has intensified with massive attacks threatening several cities. From Kyiv, Zelensky's chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, warned, "Without pressure, Moscow will not only continue killing but will grow stronger." Meanwhile, Zelensky has urged the U.S. and its allies for a firm response, emphasizing that "America's silence only emboldens Putin."
Trump's remarks may herald a new chapter in American foreign policy. With his direct style and polarizing rhetoric, the Republican magnate has shattered any remnants of his former sympathy for Putin, whom he has known "for a long time" and "always got along well with... but now he's sending rockets into cities and killing people, and I don't like this at all."
The break, encapsulated in the phrase "he's gone completely mad," signals the end of an era and raises questions about Trump's potential role in a future presidential return. Beyond political intentions, his words resonate as a stark warning: if Putin persists with his offensive, he risks not only Ukraine but the fate of his own country.
Key Questions on the Russia-Ukraine Conflict
What prompted Trump's severe criticism of Putin?
Trump's harsh criticism came after the most lethal bombing in Ukraine, which he described as unnecessary and indiscriminate, leading to numerous civilian casualties.
How has Trump's stance on Putin changed?
Previously maintaining a cordial relationship with Putin, Trump's recent comments signal a significant shift, describing Putin as having "gone completely mad."
What are the implications of Trump's comments for U.S. foreign policy?
Trump's remarks could indicate a new approach in U.S. foreign policy, especially if he returns to the presidency, potentially leading to a harder stance against Russia.