Trump Slams Putin as Russia Unleashes Deadliest Drone Blitz on Ukraine
Escalating violence tests U.S. peace efforts as Europe calls for urgent action
Russia’s war on Ukraine has taken a dangerous turn and it may have finally shaken President Donald Trump into breaking his long-standing diplomatic silence.
Over the weekend, Ukraine was bombarded by the largest drone assault since the war began over three years ago. According to Ukrainian officials, more than 900 drones were launched by Russia between Friday and Sunday, leaving cities like Mykolaiv and Kyiv under heavy attack and civilian infrastructure in ruins.
In a rare and explosive social media post on Sunday night, President Trump lashed out at Russian President Vladimir Putin, calling him “absolutely CRAZY” and warning that the ongoing attacks could lead to “the downfall of Russia.”
But is Trump’s outburst too late to make a difference?
A Sudden Shift in Tone from Trump
Until now, Trump has attempted to walk a tightrope between diplomacy and appeasement. His admiration for Putin, often criticized by Western allies, has been a defining feature of his foreign policy stance. But the relentless air assaults on Ukraine seem to have jolted the U.S. president into action — or at least, into words.
“Missiles and drones are being shot into cities in Ukraine for no reason whatsoever,” Trump posted on Truth Social. “Putin has gone absolutely CRAZY!”
While condemning Putin’s aggression, Trump also took a jab at Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, criticizing his rhetoric as unhelpful. This dual critique has sparked backlash from both Democrats and Republicans who argue the U.S. should be firmly standing with Ukraine in the face of unwarranted aggression.
Zelenskyy Responds: “Russia Acts with Impunity”
President Zelenskyy fired back on Monday, pointing out that Russia’s latest strikes have little military logic but a strong political message: Russia believes it can act without consequence.
“Only a sense of complete impunity can allow Russia to escalate like this,” Zelenskyy said, once again urging the international community to choke off Russia’s war chest through economic sanctions.
Zelenskyy has repeatedly emphasized that Ukraine does not bomb civilians or cities unlike Russia, which continues to target hospitals, homes, and schools under the guise of military strategy.
Europe Reacts: Applause and Caution
European leaders appeared cautiously optimistic about Trump’s change in tone. French President Emmanuel Macron suggested Trump may finally be realizing that Putin has misled him about wanting peace.
“My hope is that Trump’s anger translates into action,” Macron said, proposing a strict deadline for Moscow to accept a ceasefire or face “massive sanctions.”
Meanwhile, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz took a more sober view, warning that Putin sees diplomacy as weakness. He confirmed that Ukraine’s allies including France, the UK, and Germany have lifted restrictions on how Kyiv can use Western-supplied weapons, allowing Ukraine to strike military targets inside Russian territory.
“This shift in strategy is crucial,” Merz noted. “We’re giving Ukraine the tools not just to defend but to deter.”
One Rare Positive: A Major Prisoner Exchange
In the midst of violence, a flicker of cooperation emerged. Russia and Ukraine completed a three-day prisoner swap the largest of the war so far. Each side released 1,000 prisoners, following negotiations held earlier this month in Istanbul.
While this development offers a rare moment of progress, analysts caution it should not be mistaken for a thaw in hostilities. It’s a humanitarian gesture, not a sign of deeper peace.
What’s Next And Why It Matters
Trump’s condemnation of Putin is noteworthy but the world is watching to see whether it’s backed by tangible U.S. action. So far, the White House has threatened sanctions but hasn’t followed through. Critics argue that failure to act now could embolden Putin further.
As summer nears, military analysts believe Russia is preparing for a larger offensive, while Ukraine continues to fight for survival with limited resources and waning international attention.
Final Thoughts: Will Words Become Action?
Trump’s blunt remarks may have rattled Moscow, but without decisive U.S. leadership, diplomacy could falter. As Europe hardens its stance and Ukraine faces another brutal chapter in this war, the world is left to wonder:
Is this the moment the West finally unites or just another flash of outrage without substance?
Reference
Trump Slams Putin as Russia Unleashes Deadliest Drone Blitz on Ukraine