May 26, 2025 — Donald Trump launched a scathing attack on Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday, calling him “absolutely CRAZY” following a devastating aerial assault on Ukraine. The strike, one of the largest in recent months, reportedly involved more than 367 drones and missiles, leaving at least 12 people dead — including children — and causing significant damage to residential and industrial infrastructure.
In an unexpected shift in rhetoric, Trump suggested he is now open to imposing new sanctions on Russia, signaling a potential hardening of his stance on the war in Ukraine. “Putin has gone absolutely CRAZY. What he’s doing could lead to the total downfall of Russia,” Trump said in a statement.
While the former president has long touted his ability to swiftly bring an end to the conflict if reelected, his latest comments mark a notable departure from his earlier reluctance to directly confront the Kremlin.
However, Trump also directed criticism at Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, accusing him of “escalating tensions” with inflammatory public remarks. The dual condemnation reflects a complicated position as Trump seeks to navigate the war ahead of the 2024 U.S. presidential election.
Despite the sharp rhetoric, Trump has so far resisted calls to impose immediate new sanctions or take a stronger leadership role in mediation. His distancing from direct peace negotiations — instead urging Kyiv and Moscow to resolve the conflict — has sparked concern among European allies and within NATO, where fears are growing over waning U.S. engagement.
As the war continues to escalate, Trump’s changing tone on Russia may reshape his foreign policy narrative and affect how the conflict is viewed by voters and international partners alike.