Pratiksha Ghosh
May 26 :
Kyiv under fire as Trump criticizes both Putin and Zelenskyy in sharp remarks
U.S. President Donald Trump issued one of his strongest rebukes yet of Russian President Vladimir Putin, labeling him “absolutely crazy” amid intensified missile and drone strikes on Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities.
In a social media post on late Sunday, Trump had expressed his dismay at the escalating violence, stating, “Putin is needlessly killing a lot of people. Missiles and drones are being fired into Ukrainian cities for no reason whatsoever.”
The latest barrage marks the most severe aerial assault since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, Ukrainian officials reported. At least 13 were killed, with dozens more injured.
Although Trump has long touted his amicable ties with Putin, he now appears increasingly frustrated by the Russian leader’s conduct. “Something has happened to him,” Trump said. “If he wants to conquer all of Ukraine, it will be the downfall of Russia.”
Trump also voiced dissatisfaction with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, criticizing his public remarks.
“Everything out of his mouth causes problems,” Trump stated, urging Zelenskyy to moderate his tone.
Despite earlier claims that he could swiftly end the war, Trump acknowledged that efforts to broker peace have stalled. A recent phone call with Putin was followed by Trump’s announcement of “immediate” ceasefire talks, but the Kremlin has since denied any such plans.
