In a striking departure from his previously cordial tone, US President Donald Trump has openly criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin, calling him “absolutely crazy” for launching a massive missile and drone attack on Ukraine. This rhetoric marks a significant shift in Trump’s long-standing narrative of admiration toward the Kremlin leader — a man he once called “smart”, “strong”, and even a “genius”.
*What Sparked Trump’s Outburst?*
On May 25, 2025, Russia launched one of its deadliest barrages on Ukrainian civilian areas since the full-scale invasion began in 2022. According to Ukrainian reports, 12 people, including three children, were killed, and at least 79 were injured as over 298 drones and 69 missiles rained down on Ukrainian cities. The assault came on Kyiv Day — a symbolic celebration in the capital — and has since drawn global condemnation.
Reacting to the attacks, Trump expressed outrage, stating:
“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.”
On his social platform, he added, “Putin has gone absolutely crazy. Missiles and drones are being shot into cities for no reason whatsoever.”
This reaction was unexpected given Trump’s earlier stance. In previous years, he had often refrained from criticizing Putin, even praising his strategic moves. But the scale of this latest attack appears to have crossed a line.
*Russia’s Largest Strike in Months*
The weekend’s aerial blitz saw Ukraine’s Air Force intercepting 45 cruise missiles and 266 drones. However, 22 strikes made direct impact — devastating homes, infrastructure, and lives. Particularly heart-wrenching was the death of three siblings: Roman (17), Tamara (12), and Stanislav (8), who were killed in their home when a drone struck.
Eyewitnesses reported a night of horror. “There were dozens of explosions… You hear that roar in the sky and then bang! We were just waiting for what’s next,” one resident said.
Russian forces have increasingly been targeting urban areas. Just weeks prior, a strike on a city centre and playground killed 53 civilians, including children — further highlighting the civilian cost of the war.
*Trump’s Shift: Political Calculus or Strategic Reality?*
Trump’s new stance may reflect a political calculation as the US heads toward its next presidential election cycle. His previous tone on Putin had drawn bipartisan criticism — seen as weak on authoritarian aggression. Now, by taking a firmer line, Trump may be attempting to realign with broader US strategic interests and public opinion.
However, Trump’s criticism wasn’t limited to Putin. He also lashed out at Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, accusing him of making “provocative” statements. Trump remarked,
“Everything out of his mouth causes problems. I don’t like it, and it better stop.”
This was in response to Zelenskyy’s sharp rebuke of perceived Western silence, including from the US, on Russia’s recent attacks. Zelenskyy had warned that such silence only emboldens Moscow.
*The Ceasefire That Wasn’t*
Ironically, the Russian offensive came just a week after Trump held a two-hour call with Putin, discussing a possible US-brokered ceasefire. Trump had earlier said the talks had gone “very well” and that negotiations to end the war would start “immediately.”
Ukraine reportedly agreed to a 30-day ceasefire, but the latest attacks suggest either a breakdown in those talks or a lack of genuine commitment from Moscow.
Trump has now floated the idea of imposing new sanctions on Russia — a remarkable shift given his historically cautious approach to punitive measures against Putin.
*What This Means for the War — and US Foreign Policy*
Trump’s sudden pivot suggests a hardening of tone within the US political establishment. A recent report in Politico noted that Trump’s remarks could signal a broader change in Washington’s view of Russia, moving away from strategic ambiguity to open confrontation — especially as attempts to mediate peace stall.
This hardening could influence NATO’s posture, increase pressure for more military aid to Ukraine, and reignite debates within the US Congress about how aggressively to confront authoritarian regimes.
Whether Trump’s condemnation of Putin leads to any real shift in US foreign policy, or remains campaign rhetoric, remains to be seen.
