[EUROPE] Former U.S. President Donald Trump issued a stark warning to Vladimir Putin on Sunday, cautioning that a full-scale Russian conquest of Ukraine would spell the “downfall” of Russia. Posting on Truth Social, Trump also took aim at Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, adding to the heated rhetoric surrounding the escalating war.
“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. “He is needlessly killing a lot of people, and I’m not just talking about soldiers.”
Earlier the same day, Trump told reporters he was “very surprised” by Russia’s intensified assault on Ukrainian cities, despite U.S. diplomatic efforts to secure a ceasefire.
Asked whether he was considering additional sanctions on Moscow, Trump responded: “Absolutely. He’s killing a lot of people. What the hell happened to him?”
The renewed violence has sparked international concern, as the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine worsens. With diplomatic relations already strained, global leaders remain divided on the next steps—some calling for tougher sanctions on Russia, others urging caution to prevent further escalation.
Trump’s late-night post also included pointed criticism of Zelenskyy, whom he accused of worsening tensions through his rhetoric. “Everything out of his mouth causes problems,” Trump wrote. “I don’t like it, and it better stop.”
Zelenskyy had earlier condemned what he called “the silence of America” following the most intense Russian air assault in three years of war. The overnight barrage of drones and ballistic missiles killed at least 12 people, including three children, in attacks that continued into Sunday.
The strikes have had devastating consequences for civilians, displacing thousands and creating severe shortages of essentials such as food, clean water, and medical supplies. Ukrainian authorities said Russia had launched a staggering 298 drones and 69 missiles in multiple waves targeting cities across the country.
“Every such terrorist Russian strike is reason enough for new sanctions against Russia,” Zelenskyy said in response.
Throughout his presidential campaign, Trump has repeatedly asserted he could end the war within 24 hours of taking office. However, the scale and ferocity of recent attacks appear to challenge his claim that Putin is seeking peace.
Fighting remains intense on the ground, with both sides sustaining heavy losses. Ceasefire negotiations have so far failed to gain traction, with neither side willing to make major concessions. Global leaders continue to debate whether to pursue increased pressure on Moscow or double down on diplomatic engagement.
The bombardment overshadowed Kyiv Day—a national celebration held on the last Sunday in May—as residents sought shelter in bunkers, subway stations, and basements.
Meanwhile, Ukraine and several European nations have called for a 30-day ceasefire as a precursor to peace talks. But their appeal faced a setback this week when Trump declined to impose additional sanctions on Russia for rejecting a ceasefire proposal backed by Kyiv.
Zelenskyy’s chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, posted a grim assessment on Telegram: “Without pressure, nothing will change, and Russia and its allies will only build up forces for such murders in western countries. Moscow will fight as long as it has the ability to produce weapons.”
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