US President Donald Trump has intensified his criticism of Russian President Vladimir Putin, accusing him of “playing with fire” following three consecutive nights of massive Russian airstrikes on Ukrainian cities. In a Truth Social post on Tuesday, Trump warned that “if it weren’t for me, lots of really bad things would have already happened to Russia”. This followed his Sunday remarks calling Putin “absolutely CRAZY” for launching the largest aerial assault since Russia’s 2022 invasion..
Trump, who previously touted a rapport with Putin, expressed bewilderment at the escalation: “I’ve always had a very good relationship with Vladimir Putin… but something has happened to him”.
Russia’s recent attacks involved over 900 drones and missiles targeting cities like Kyiv, Odesa, and Mykolaiv, with Ukrainian officials reporting intercepted strikes but emphasizing urgent needs for air defense systems. Civilian casualties have drawn global condemnation, with Zelenskyy condemning the strikes as Putin’s “political choice” to prolong the war. Meanwhile, a prisoner swap of 1,000 detainees between Russia and Ukraine offered limited respite amid the violence.
The Trump administration is weighing new sanctions on Russia, though sources indicate they may avoid targeting the banking sector 10. Trump also endorsed a 30-day ceasefire proposal backed by Ukraine—a plan Moscow has repeatedly rejected. Despite a recent phone call where Trump claimed Putin agreed to “immediate” ceasefire talks, no progress followed, and Russia continues to demand direct negotiations without preconditions.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov downplayed Trump’s remarks as “emotional overload,” thanking the U.S. for peace efforts but defending Russia’s strikes as responses to Ukrainian attacks on civilians. Peskov reiterated that Putin’s actions are “necessary for Russia’s security”.
European leaders, including Germany’s Friedrich Merz and France’s Emmanuel Macron, urged sustained U.S. support for Ukraine and stronger sanctions. Domestically, Trump faces pressure from Senate Republicans to take a harder line, even as he criticizes Zelenskyy for “causing problems” with his rhetoric.