Speaking to reporters in Morristown, N.J., Trump expressed clear frustration over the deadly Russian attacks but also leveled pointed criticism at Zelensky and U.S. leadership.
According to The Hill, Trump condemned Putin for Russia’s missile and drone barrage on Ukrainian cities that left at least a dozen people dead and many more wounded. He did not hold back his views, calling Putin’s actions “needlessly killing a lot of people” and suggesting that something fundamental had changed with the Russian leader.
Trump’s unusually tough words for Putin, coupled with his sharp rebuke of Zelensky, highlight the complexities of America’s response to the war in Ukraine. The president’s remarks come as pressure mounts in Washington about how best to support Ukraine while holding Russia accountable.
In his remarks Sunday, Trump made it clear he was disturbed by the scope and brutality of Russia’s latest attack. “Yeah, I’ll give you an update, I’m not happy with what Putin’s doing. He’s killing a lot of people and I don’t know what the hell happened to Putin,” Trump told journalists, referencing the ongoing missile attacks on Kyiv and other cities. These attacks, among the largest Russia has carried out, have left a grim toll on Ukraine’s civilian population.
Trump’s relationship with Putin has long drawn scrutiny, but his most recent statements marked a notable shift. While the president stated, “I’ve known him a long time. Always gotten along with him,” he did not hesitate to criticize the Russian leader’s decisions. He emphasized that he is “not happy at all” with Putin and that he is “surprised at what he’s seeing,” suggesting that new U.S. sanctions on Russia could be forthcoming.
As Russia continues to target Ukrainian cities with rockets and drones, Trump’s comments have resonated with many Americans concerned about the stability of Europe and the need for strong U.S. leadership.
Later Sunday, Trump expanded on his views in a post on Truth Social, where he again called out both Putin and Zelensky. While reiterating that Putin “has gone absolutely CRAZY!” and is “needlessly killing a lot of people,” Trump also took aim at Zelensky for what he described as unhelpful rhetoric.
Trump wrote that Zelensky “was doing his country ‘no favors by talking the way he does,’” apparently referring to Zelensky’s sharp criticism of the U.S. and the West for their silence after the latest attacks. According to Zelensky, Russia launched nearly 300 attack drones and dozens of ballistic missiles overnight, targeting Kyiv and 11 other regions.
The Ukrainian president has argued that these attacks prove Russia is not interested in peace, stating, “The world may go on a weekend break, but the war continues, regardless of weekends and weekdays. This cannot be ignored.” Trump, however, countered that Zelensky’s approach was counterproductive and insisted the war would never have started if he were in office.
Trump’s rhetoric on Sunday drew attention not only for its strong tone against Putin but also for his repeated claim that he bears no responsibility for the war. In his Truth Social post, Trump wrote, “This is a War that would never have started if I were President. This is Zelensky’s, Putin’s, and Biden’s War, not ‘Trump’s,’ I am only helping to put out the big and ugly fires, that have been started through Gross Incompetence and Hatred.”
Critics of Trump argue that his comments downplay the seriousness of Russia’s aggression and risk diminishing U.S. support for Ukraine at a crucial time. Supporters, however, say Trump is right to pressure both sides and to demand more accountability from America’s allies.
While Trump’s earlier approach to Putin was often more measured, his recent remarks suggest a growing impatience with the Russian leader’s actions. His call for a 30-day ceasefire reportedly discussed with both Putin and Zelensky, has yet to yield results as Russian attacks have continued.
Trump’s tough talk has led to ra enewed debate in Washington over how to respond to the war in Ukraine. The president’s willingness to consider new sanctions on Russia signals a potential shift in U.S. policy, though he has not yet outlined specific measures.
Many lawmakers have called for a stronger U.S. response, while others caution against further escalation. Trump’s criticism of Zelensky has also sparked discussion about the best path forward for Ukraine, with some warning that American unity is vital for standing up to Russian aggression.
As the conflict rages on, Trump’s comments have underscored the challenges facing policymakers in the U.S. and abroad. The president’s remarks have put a spotlight on the delicate balance between supporting Ukraine, holding Russia accountable, and ensuring American interests are protected.
