Tensions between Washington and Moscow escalated after U.S. President Donald Trump described Russian President Vladimir Putin as “absolutely crazy” following Russia’s largest aerial assault on Ukraine since the full-scale invasion began in February 2022. The attack, which took place over the weekend, saw 367 drones and missiles launched into Ukrainian territory, killing at least 13 people and injuring dozens more.
Trump, posting on his Truth Social platform, condemned the attacks and remarked, “He has gone absolutely crazy. Needlessly killing a lot of people.” He also claimed Putin seeks to control all of Ukraine and warned such ambition “will lead to the downfall of Russia.”
In response, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov dismissed Trump’s comments, attributing them to “an emotional overload of everyone involved.” He defended Russia’s actions, saying the aerial strikes were retaliatory responses to Ukrainian attacks on Russia’s infrastructure.
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the assault, calling it a political choice by Putin to prolong the war and “destroy lives,” adding there was no military sense behind the bombardment. The Ukrainian air force later reported that 355 drones were launched between Sunday evening and Monday morning, killing 10 more civilians in what they described as the largest drone attack to date.
Meanwhile, Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz revealed that Ukraine’s allies have lifted range limitations on weapons supplied to Kyiv, allowing the country to strike military targets inside Russia. This development has sparked speculation about the potential delivery of Taurus missiles, long requested by Ukraine but previously withheld by the German government.
Amid the chaos, Trump also criticized Zelensky, accusing him of using inflammatory rhetoric that could hinder peace efforts. Despite these remarks, Trump confirmed he had a two-hour call with Putin last week to discuss a U.S.-proposed ceasefire, which he claimed went “very well.” However, while Ukraine has agreed to a 30-day ceasefire, Putin has only committed to negotiating a possible future memorandum, a move Kyiv views as a delay tactic.
As diplomatic efforts remain in flux, Russia still controls about 20% of Ukraine’s territory, including Crimea, annexed in 2014. The prospects for a meaningful resolution appear uncertain.
