Trump Calls Putin ‘Crazy’ Amid Ukrainian Drone Attacks
On Sunday, President Donald Trump labeled Russian President Vladimir Putin as “crazy” following a devastating wave of drone attacks against Ukraine. This occurred amidst a simultaneous large-scale prisoner swap between the two nations. Reports indicate that at least 13 individuals lost their lives in what was described as an unprecedented aerial assault by Russia.
In a statement on his Truth Social platform, Trump said, “I’ve always had a very good relationship with Vladimir Putin of Russia, but something has happened to him. He has gone absolutely CRAZY!” He elaborated that he has long believed that Putin’s ambitions extended beyond a portion of Ukraine, warning that this could ultimately lead to Russia’s downfall.
Trump’s Frustration with Russia’s Actions
Interestingly, Trump’s comments marked a departure from his generally amiable stance toward Putin, reflecting growing frustration with Moscow’s actions as peace talks with Kyiv stall. Earlier in the day, he expressed to the media that he was “not happy” about the recent escalation in attacks and indicated he was “absolutely” considering imposing additional sanctions against Russia.
“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,” Trump remarked, underlining his discontent with the situation.
Ukraine’s Leaders Respond to Attacks
In the wake of escalating violence, Ukraine’s emergency services characterized the environment as one of “terror,” following a second night of heavy Russian airstrikes, which included attacks on the capital city of Kyiv. Among those affected were children aged eight, 12, and 17 from the Zhytomyr region.
President Volodymyr Zelensky responded fiercely on social media, stating, “Without truly strong pressure on the Russian leadership, this brutality cannot be stopped.” He criticized global silence, particularly from the United States, as it only emboldens Putin’s aggression, insisting that continued sanctions would be effective.
Trump Critiques Zelensky
Adding another layer to his comments, Trump directed criticism towards Zelensky, frequently a subject of his ire. He alleged that Zelensky’s communication style was unhelpful to Ukraine’s cause. Trump stated, “Everything out of his mouth causes problems, I don’t like it, and it better stop,” implicitly suggesting that Zelensky’s remarks could hinder international support.
This sentiment echoes a broader call from international leaders, including the European Union’s chief diplomat, Kaja Kallas, who emphasized the need for intensified global pressure on Russia to end its hostilities. She remarked that recent attacks underscored Russia’s commitment to causing further suffering in Ukraine.
Global Responses to Russia’s Aggression
The German Foreign Minister, Johann Wadephul, condemned Russia’s aggression, asserting, “Putin does not want peace; he wants to continue the war, and we shouldn’t allow him to do this.” He highlighted the European commitment to maintaining pressure on Russia through additional sanctions.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian military reports indicated that they successfully intercepted 45 Russian missiles and 266 drones during the latest wave of assaults. Despite these defensive efforts, casualties mounted, including multiple deaths in the Khmelnytskyi and Kyiv regions, with civilians recounting harrowing experiences.
Russian Claims and Ukrainian Resistance
In addressing the recent airstrikes, Russia stated that its targets included Ukraine’s military-industrial infrastructure, claiming to have shot down 110 Ukrainian drones. The previous night’s attacks involved 14 ballistic missiles and 250 drones, which left numerous people injured.
As air travel faced disruptions in Moscow due to Ukrainian drone activities, Ukrainian officials reported further strikes overnight, albeit at reduced intensity. In the Zaporizhzhia region, one local official noted injuries and property damage from an assault on the village of Yurkivka.
Significant Prisoner Exchange Announced
Amidst the backdrop of heightened violence, Russia also announced a significant prisoner exchange, with 303 Ukrainian prisoners of war being swapped for an equal number of Russian soldiers. This deal marked the largest exchange since the onset of Russia’s large-scale invasion in February 2022.
Ukrainian President Zelensky confirmed the successful completion of the exchange, which was part of negotiations initiated earlier in the year. An AFP reporter witnessed some released Ukrainian soldiers arriving at a hospital, visibly weakened yet expressing joy at their return. One former captive, Viktor Syvak, described the emotional impact of his release after enduring over three years of captivity.
