United States President Donald Trump has lashed out at Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday, calling him “crazy” after Moscow unleashed a devastating overnight drone attack on Ukraine that killed at least 13 people.
The massive barrage, which included a record number of drones, struck cities across Ukraine, including Kyiv, leaving behind a trail of destruction and fear.
Ukrainian authorities said the youngest victims included children aged 8, 12, and 17 from the northwestern Zhytomyr region.
“I’ve always had a very good relationship with Vladimir Putin of Russia, but something has happened to him. He has gone absolutely CRAZY!” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.
“I’ve always said that he wants ALL of Ukraine, not just a piece of it, and maybe that’s proving to be right, but if he does, it will lead to the downfall of Russia!”
His remarks marked a rare public rebuke of Putin, a leader Trump has often spoken of with admiration. Speaking to reporters earlier in the day, Trump said he was “not happy” with the assault on Ukraine and was “absolutely” considering tougher sanctions on Moscow.
“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 said.
The Ukrainian emergency services described the latest attack as “terror,” with widespread strikes hitting civilian areas. In the capital, Kyiv, residents reported scenes of devastation as streets were set ablaze by falling debris.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky took to social media to condemn the attacks, calling for stronger international pressure.
“Without truly strong pressure on the Russian leadership, this brutality cannot be stopped,” he said. “The silence of America, the silence of others around the world (sic) only encourages Putin. Sanctions will certainly help.”
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In his post, Trump also aimed at Zelensky, accusing him of “doing his Country no favors by talking the way he does.” He added, “Everything out of his mouth causes problems, I don’t like it, and it better stop.”
European leaders also expressed outrage. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas called for “the strongest international pressure on Russia to stop this war,” while German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul pledged more sanctions against Moscow. “Putin does not want peace, he wants to carry on the war [,] and we shouldn’t allow him to do this.”
Ukraine’s military reported it shot down 45 Russian missiles and 266 attack drones. However, widespread damage and casualties were reported, with fatalities in Khmelnytskyi, Kyiv, and Mykolaiv regions.
Despite the violence, Russia and Ukraine conducted a major prisoner swap, releasing 303 Ukrainian and 303 Russian captives in the largest exchange since the full-scale invasion began.
