On May 26, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump unleashed a scathing critique of Russian President Vladimir Putin, marking a stark departure from their previously touted rapport. The outburst followed Russia’s largest-ever drone attack on Ukraine, which killed at least 13 people, including three children, and targeted Kyiv’s infrastructure. Trump, speaking to reporters in New Jersey and later posting on Truth Social, called Putin “absolutely crazy” and expressed frustration over the relentless violence, stating, “He’s killing a lot of people, and I don’t like it at all.” The attack, involving 288 drones and 69 missiles, overwhelmed Ukrainian defenses, exacerbating power outages as winter looms.
Trump’s comments signal a shift after months of failed ceasefire negotiations he had championed. Having boasted of his ability to broker peace within 24 hours during his campaign, Trump now faces a harsh reality: Putin’s unwillingness to compromise. The U.S. leader hinted at new sanctions, saying, “Absolutely,” when asked about tougher measures, but stopped short of concrete action. This follows a recent call between the two leaders, after which Trump claimed progress toward a ceasefire—a claim contradicted by Russia’s intensified strikes. Critics, including Kyiv opposition leaders, argue that Trump’s diplomatic approach has emboldened Putin, allowing him to escalate attacks without consequence.
The timing is critical. With global markets jittery and Ukraine pleading for stronger Western support, Trump’s hardening stance could reshape U.S.-Russia relations. However, his simultaneous criticism of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy—warning him to stop “causing problems”—suggests a balanced frustration with both sides. For stakeholders, this development underscores the volatility of the conflict and its potential to disrupt energy and grain markets. Trump’s next moves, whether sanctions or renewed talks, will be pivotal in determining the war’s trajectory and its global economic fallout.
