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Trump Slams Putin’s Ukraine Ambitions, Calls Him “Crazy” But Continues Zelensky Criticism Amid Shifting U.S. Stance
In a surprising shift in tone, U.S. President Donald Trump on Sunday expressed deep frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin’s conduct in the ongoing war in Ukraine, warning that the Russian leader’s ambitions could lead to Russia’s downfall. However, despite this unusually stern criticism of Putin, Trump continued his pattern of berating Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, raising fresh questions about the direction of America’s foreign policy under his leadership.
Trump, who returned to the Oval Office in January 2025, had previously promised to end the Russia-Ukraine conflict “in 24 hours” once elected. But more than four months into his term, the war continues with intensifying violence and no resolution in sight. The former businessman-turned-president has consistently projected a conciliatory tone towards Putin, even expressing admiration in previous years. This has earned him criticism both domestically and internationally.
However, following a deadly Russian drone barrage that targeted Ukraine’s western regions over the weekend—reportedly the most severe attack since the invasion began in 2022—Trump’s messaging took a dramatic turn.
Taking to his Truth Social platform, Trump posted:
“Putin wants ALL of Ukraine. If he continues this path, it will lead to the downfall of Russia!”
“I’ve always had a very good relationship with Vladimir Putin of Russia, but something has happened to him. He has gone absolutely CRAZY!”
This rare rebuke of the Kremlin leader comes at a time when Trump is under increasing pressure from Republican lawmakers and European allies to adopt a tougher line on Moscow.
Yet despite his criticism of Putin, Trump also used the same post to take aim at Ukrainian President Zelensky.
“Zelensky 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.”
Zelensky had earlier warned that global silence—particularly from Washington—only emboldens Putin. He called for stronger, coordinated international pressure to counter Russian aggression.
Growing Global Pressure on Trump
The latest developments come as diplomacy begins to pick up again between Russia and Ukraine, with limited prisoner exchanges and low-level dialogue reported. Still, the situation on the ground has deteriorated, with Kyiv reporting that Russia launched 355 drones in a single night—its largest single drone assault since the war began.
European leaders have welcomed Trump’s public frustration with Putin but are urging the U.S. to follow rhetoric with tangible action.
French President Emmanuel Macron, during a visit to Vietnam, said:
“President Trump realizes that when President Putin said on the phone he was ready for peace, he lied.”
“We have seen once again in recent hours Donald Trump express his anger, a form of impatience. I simply hope now that this translates into action.”
Macron emphasized that the credibility of the United States is on the line and called for “much more massive sanctions” against Russia to force a breakthrough.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, meanwhile, dismissed Trump’s remarks, labeling them “emotional reactions” in a “very critical moment.”
Doubts About Trump’s Foreign Policy Consistency
Trump’s aggressive rhetoric towards Putin appears to signal a potential pivot in his administration’s stance, but his continued criticism of Ukraine’s leadership complicates the message. Critics argue that Trump’s unpredictable style undermines America’s global alliances and creates ambiguity around U.S. policy objectives.
His first term was marked by unconventional diplomacy, including high-profile meetings with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, which ultimately led to little progress on denuclearization or regional stability. His policies on the Iran nuclear deal and the ongoing crisis in Gaza have similarly drawn criticism for lacking coherence and results.
With mounting global pressure and a deteriorating situation in Ukraine, all eyes are now on Washington. Will Trump maintain his newfound assertiveness against Russia, or will his long-standing personal views toward Putin dictate a softer, less effective approach?
Only time will tell whether his latest statements mark a real policy shift or just another rhetorical volley in a presidency known for its unpredictability.
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