In a sharp rebuke of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, former US President Donald Trump has openly criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin, calling him “absolutely crazy” for the needless killing of civilians. The scathing comments come amidst escalating tensions between Russia and the West following one of the largest airstrikes on Ukraine since the start of the war.
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Trump did not mince words in his assessment of Putin’s actions. “Putin is crazy. He’s just bombing the hell out of Ukraine – killing lots of people, innocent people,” the former president said. Trump’s remarks underscore the growing international condemnation of Russia’s military operations, which have come under intense scrutiny for their devastating impact on the Ukrainian population.
The latest Russian aerial bombardment, which struck multiple cities across Ukraine, including the capital Kyiv, has been widely condemned as a blatant disregard for civilian lives. Authorities reported that the strikes resulted in the deaths of at least 19 people, with many more injured, in what has been described as one of the largest single-day assaults since the war began nearly a year ago.
Trump’s comments echo the sentiments of other world leaders who have expressed their outrage at Putin’s actions. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has repeatedly called for tougher sanctions and greater military aid to help his country defend itself against the Russian onslaught. The United States and its NATO allies have responded with a steady stream of weapons and financial support, while also imposing sweeping economic penalties on Russia.
However, the former US president’s critique of Putin’s leadership is particularly noteworthy, given his past attempts to forge closer ties with the Russian leader. During his tenure in the White House, Trump faced criticism for his seemingly conciliatory approach towards Putin, which included a controversial summit in Helsinki in 2018. Trump’s current stance reflects the growing bipartisan consensus in the US that Russia’s actions in Ukraine are unacceptable and warrant a firm, united response from the international community.
As the conflict in Ukraine continues to rage, with no clear end in sight, the world watches on with a mix of horror and determination. The latest Russian airstrikes have only further galvanized global efforts to support Ukraine and hold Putin accountable for the devastating consequences of his decisions. The former US president’s scathing assessment of Putin’s leadership suggests that the international pressure on Russia is only likely to intensify in the days and weeks ahead.
