Kremlin's Response to Trump's Critique of Putin

The Kremlin issued a response on Monday following recent remarks from U.S. President Donald Trump, who declared that Russian President Vladimir Putin has "completely lost his mind" after Russia's massive airstrikes on Ukraine. During a regular phone press conference, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov downplayed Trump's statements, labeling them as a reaction to heightened international tension.

The Russian government brushed off Trump's comments, describing them as an "emotional reaction" in a context rife with tension and critical national security decisions. "Certainly, the initiation of a negotiation process, which the American side has worked hard to achieve, is a very significant accomplishment, and we are genuinely thankful to the Americans and President Trump personally for his assistance in organizing and launching this negotiation process," Peskov stated, as reported by Efe.

"It's a very important achievement. However, of course, this is a crucial moment linked to an emotional overload for all involved and emotional reactions," he added.

Moscow Defends Its Military Actions

In a robust defense of Russia's military strategy, Peskov justified the recent bombings, claiming they were a response to Ukrainian threats and previous hostile actions. According to the Kremlin, the latest Russian attacks were defensive measures following Ukrainian warnings against foreign dignitaries attending Moscow's Victory Day Parade.

"We monitor all reactions carefully. Nevertheless, President Putin makes the decisions necessary for our country's security," asserted the Russian politician. "Many leaders present were witnesses to the Kyiv regime's attempts to attack Russian territory with drones, including large cities and the capital, on the eve of such an important day," he added. "These attempts persist. We are compelled to take action, and President Putin does what is necessary to ensure Russia's security," Peskov insisted.

Unprecedented Assault on Ukraine

On Sunday, Russia launched 355 drones and nine missiles against Ukraine, marking the largest air attack since the conflict began, according to Ukrainian air force sources. Russia, meanwhile, claimed to have intercepted 96 Ukrainian drones over 12 regions, including six in Moscow.

"We've observed how the Ukrainians have targeted our social and peaceful infrastructure," the Kremlin spokesperson noted, clarifying that Russian targets were "military installations, military objectives."

Trump's Fiery Criticism of Putin

Earlier, U.S. President Trump launched a scathing verbal attack on his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin. Following the deadliest bombing since the war in Ukraine began, Trump broke his silence with an outraged statement: "He has gone completely insane." The phrase, posted on his Truth Social platform, signified a dramatic shift in the U.S. leader's stance, who had previously maintained a cordial relationship with the Kremlin's chief.

"I've always had a very good relationship with Vladimir Putin of Russia, but something has happened to him. He has gone completely CRAZY!" Trump wrote, visibly disturbed by the magnitude of the Russian attack, which left at least 12 dead, including three children, and dozens injured. The president was particularly troubled by the indiscriminate nature of the strikes.

"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, with no reason," he criticized. "I've always said he wants ALL of Ukraine, not just a part, and maybe that's proving true. But if he tries, it will spell the downfall of Russia!" he warned.

Broken Talks and Potential Sanctions

Trump's outburst came at a particularly delicate time. Just days earlier, he had a two-hour phone call with Putin to discuss a possible ceasefire, an initiative backed by the United States. However, the Russian attack occurred during a day of prisoner-of-war exchanges, a contradiction that, for Trump, exacerbates the crisis and discredits any diplomatic attempts.

Not only was Putin targeted in Trump's message, but he also criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, accusing him of counterproductive rhetoric in the midst of war. "Similarly, President Zelensky is doing his country no favors with the way he talks. Everything he says causes problems. I don't like it, and he better stop," he commented.

The U.S. president questioned Zelensky's calls for a more robust Western reaction, suggesting they are heightening tensions. Trump's speech also targeted his successor in the White House, Joe Biden, whom he holds directly responsible for the conflict's escalation. He insists that under his presidency, the war would never have started and that his role now is to try to contain chaos created by others.

Peace talks remain stalled. Moscow controls approximately 20% of Ukrainian territory, including Crimea, and violence has intensified with massive attacks that have placed several cities in jeopardy.