Former U.S. President Donald Trump called Russian President Vladimir Putin “crazy” on Sunday after Moscow launched a record-breaking drone assault on Ukraine, killing at least 13 people. The attack came even as Russia and Ukraine conducted their largest prisoner exchange since the war began.
“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. “He wants ALL of Ukraine… but if he does, it will lead to the downfall of Russia!”
The remarks marked a rare public condemnation of Putin by Trump, who has frequently spoken admiringly of the Russian leader. Trump also told reporters he was “not happy” about the deadly strikes and said he is “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,” he added.
‘Terror’ in Ukraine as Airstrikes Intensify
Ukraine’s emergency services described scenes of “terror” following the second night of massive Russian drone and missile attacks. Among the dead were children aged eight, 12, and 17 in the Zhytomyr region. Four others were killed in the Khmelnytskyi and Kyiv regions, and two more in Mykolaiv.
Ukraine’s air force reported it had shot down 45 missiles and 266 drones out of a record 298 launched by Russia overnight. Yuriy Ignat, an air force spokesman, said this marked the highest number of drones ever launched in a single night.
Despite the aerial assault, Ukrainian forces also carried out strikes. Russia claimed to have intercepted 110 Ukrainian drones, with flights in and out of Moscow briefly suspended as a result.
Zelensky Urges Stronger Action
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky demanded increased pressure on Moscow. “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 only encourages Putin.”
Trump, however, also took aim at Zelensky, accusing him of “doing his country no favors” with his remarks. “Everything out of his mouth causes problems, I don’t like it, and it better stop,” he posted.
International Outcry Grows
European leaders condemned the attacks. EU foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas urged “the strongest international pressure” to stop Russia. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said further sanctions are in the works: “Putin does not want peace… we shouldn’t allow him to carry on this war.”
Massive Prisoner Swap Amid Ongoing War
Amid the escalation, Ukraine and Russia completed a major prisoner exchange 303 soldiers on each side were returned. It was the largest swap since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, bringing the total exchanged under the latest deal to around 1,000.
President Zelensky confirmed the operation was complete. In northern Ukraine’s Chernigiv region, freed Ukrainian soldiers were welcomed home, some visibly frail but smiling.
“I can’t put it into words,” said Viktor Syvak, 58, a soldier captured in Mariupol and held for over three years. “It’s impossible to describe.”
The war, now in its third year, continues to see no signs of a ceasefire, only more bloodshed and escalating rhetoric on both sides.
Follow News Review on Facebook and X
