Trump calls Putin ‘crazy’ after Russia major attack on Ukraine

WASHINGTON,— U.S. President Donald Trump said on Sunday that Russian President Vladimir Putin had “gone absolutely CRAZY” after Russia launched what Ukraine’s air force called the largest drone attack of the war.

Trump also signaled potential new sanctions on Moscow but criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as well.

Trump made the remarks on Truth Social after Ukrainians endured a third straight night of widespread aerial assaults. Air raid sirens and the sound of anti-aircraft fire filled the night as drones buzzed overhead.

According to the Ukrainian air force, Russia fired 355 drones and nine cruise missiles overnight. A spokesperson told Reuters this was the most extensive drone strike since the beginning of the war.

“Something has happened to him (Putin). He has gone absolutely CRAZY!” Trump wrote. “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!”

Trump also took aim at Zelensky, writing: “The Ukrainian leader is doing his Country no favours by talking the way he does. Everything out of his mouth causes problems, I don’t like it, and it better stop.”

The Kremlin was asked to respond to Trump’s statement regarding Putin being “crazy.” In response, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said the situation was emotionally charged for all involved.

“This is a very crucial moment, which is associated, of course, with the emotional overload of everyone absolutely and with emotional reactions,” Peskov said.

The Ukrainian air force said strikes hit targets in five areas, though it did not name specific locations. However, authorities in the western region of Khmelnytskyi—where a military airbase is located—confirmed damage from seven cruise missiles and numerous drones.

They reported destruction to residential buildings and industrial zones. In Odesa, a 14-year-old boy was reported injured.

Russia’s defense ministry stated its forces struck military targets at Ukraine’s Starokostiantyniv airbase in Khmelnytskyi. Moscow said the attack was a response to what it described as major Ukrainian strikes on Russian civilian sites.

Zelensky responded on X, but did not reference Trump directly. Instead, he criticized the international community’s focus on diplomacy over pressure. “Russia can only be constrained by force,” he said, again urging for stronger sanctions.

Speaking to press at the airport in Morristown, New Jersey, Trump repeated his concern. “I don’t know what’s wrong with him. What the hell happened to him? Right? He’s killing a lot of people. I’m not happy about that.” He said additional sanctions on Russia were under consideration.

Ukrainian officials said 12 people were killed in the attacks, including three children in the northern Zhytomyr region. Although other strikes have been deadlier, the number of drones and missiles made this assault the largest in volume since the war began.

Despite repeated calls for a negotiated resolution, the war continues with heavy fighting in the east. Russian forces are reportedly advancing while international leaders struggle to align on a strategy.

European officials remain frustrated, particularly with Washington’s hesitation to impose broader sanctions. French President Emmanuel Macron said he hopes Trump’s reaction to Putin will turn into action.

“Maybe this shift will help convince him to support new sanctions,” Macron said.

The Kremlin maintains that its operations in Ukraine are a “special military operation” aimed at protecting Russia from NATO expansion. Ukraine and its allies say the invasion is an unprovoked act of aggression.

(With files from Reuters)