U.S. President Donald Trump harshly criticised Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday, calling him “absolutely crazy” following a deadly overnight drone attack on Ukraine. The strikes—Russia’s largest of the war so far—killed at least 13 people and injured many others.
“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 on Truth Social. He added, “I’ve always said he wants ALL of Ukraine, not just a piece of it… if he does, it will lead to the downfall of Russia!”
Trump’s comments mark a rare rebuke of the Russian leader, whom he has often praised in the past. His tone has shifted recently amid growing frustration with Moscow’s position in stalled peace talks.
Speaking to reporters earlier on Sunday, Trump said he was “not happy” about the strikes and was “absolutely” considering new sanctions on Russia. “I’ve known him a long time… but he’s sending rockets into cities and killing people. I don’t like it at all.”
Night of Terror in Ukraine
The drone assault—Ukraine’s emergency services described it as a night of “terror”—included nearly 300 drones and missiles launched across the country, with strikes hitting Kyiv and multiple regions. Among the dead were children aged 8, 12, and 17 in Zhytomyr.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called for stronger international pressure on Moscow. “Without truly strong pressure on the Russian leadership, this brutality cannot be stopped,” he said. He also warned that global silence only encourages Putin’s aggression, urging for tougher sanctions.
Tensions Rise on All Fronts
In his Truth Social post, Trump also took aim at Zelensky, accusing him of unhelpful rhetoric. “Everything out of his mouth causes problems. I don’t like it, and it better stop,” Trump said.
European leaders joined the condemnation. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas demanded maximum pressure on Russia: “Last night’s attacks again show Russia bent on more suffering and the annihilation of Ukraine.” Germany’s foreign minister echoed the sentiment, stating, “Putin does not want peace.”
Ukraine’s military reported that it intercepted 45 missiles and 266 drones, calling it the largest drone attack to date.
Major Prisoner Swap Amid Chaos
Despite the escalation, Ukraine and Russia carried out their largest prisoner exchange since the war began in 2022. Each side released 303 prisoners, completing a deal made earlier this month in Istanbul. The total swap involved 1,000 captives.
Ukrainian President Zelensky confirmed the exchange, with local media showing emotional homecomings. One returning prisoner, 58-year-old Viktor Syvak, held for more than three years, described the moment as indescribable: “It’s impossible to put into words.”
