In a striking departure from his previously deferential tone, President Donald Trump reportedly publicly condemned Russian President Vladimir Putin in a recent post on Truth Social.
This criticism follows a deadly aerial attack on Kyiv that resulted in at least 12 fatalities and numerous injuries, highlighting the escalating violence in Ukraine.
Trump, who had characterized his prior phone conversation with Putin as “excellent” just days earlier, expressed concern over the Russian leader’s recent behavior.
“I’ve always had a very good relationship with Vladimir Putin of Russia, but something has happened to him,” Trump wrote. “He has gone absolutely CRAZY! He is needlessly killing a lot of people, and I’m not just talking about soldiers.”
He further noted that missiles and drones are being launched into Ukrainian cities “for no reason whatsoever,” reinforcing his belief that Putin seeks to control all of Ukraine, not just a part of it.
This post marks a notable escalation in Trump’s rhetoric towards Putin, who he has often treated with a degree of respect that has drawn criticism from various quarters, including some within his own party.
While Trump had previously expressed frustration with Putin, calling himself “pissed off” during a March interview, his latest remarks represent a significant intensification of his criticism.
The timing of Trump’s statements coincided with a call from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for stronger support from the United States. Zelensky highlighted the “silence of America” amid ongoing Russian attacks, suggesting that inaction could embolden Putin further.
“The world may go on a weekend break, but the war continues, regardless of weekends and weekdays,” he wrote, underscoring the urgency of the situation.
In response to Zelensky’s remarks, Trump took the opportunity to criticize the Ukrainian leader, asserting that his comments are detrimental to Ukraine’s interests.
“President Zelenskyy is doing his country no favors by talking the way he does,” Trump stated. “Everything out of his mouth causes problems, I don’t like it, and it better stop.”
Trump concluded his post by asserting that the conflict would not have escalated had he been president.
“This is Zelenskyy’s, Putin’s, and Biden’s War, not ‘Trump’s,’” he wrote, positioning himself as a voice of reason in a chaotic landscape.
He insisted that he is merely trying to mitigate the “big and ugly fires” resulting from “gross incompetence and hatred.”
As the situation in Ukraine continues to deteriorate, Trump’s comments reflect the complex dynamics of international relations and domestic politics.
His shift in tone towards Putin exemplifies the evolving narrative as leaders respond to the shifting tides of conflict and public opinion.
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