Trump Lashes Out Over Russia’s Massive Airstrike on Ukraine
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| Credit _BBC |
In the wake of Russia’s largest aerial assault on Ukraine since the war began, former U.S. President Donald Trump erupted in criticism of Russian President Vladimir Putin. The attack, which occurred over the weekend, involved more than 360 missiles and drones, resulting in the deaths of at least 12 Ukrainian civilians and injuring nearly 80 others. The devastating strike has drawn sharp reactions from around the world—Trump’s being one of the most dramatic.
Trump, who has often spoken admiringly of Putin in the past, appears to have shifted his tone. In a statement shared on his social platform, Trump called Putin “absolutely CRAZY,” expressing outrage over the scale of violence and civilian suffering caused by the attack. “This is a man who has completely lost control,” he said. Trump also hinted that the United States should consider new sanctions or other actions against Russia if such attacks continue.
While Trump condemned Putin’s actions, he also used the moment to criticize Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. He accused Zelensky of fueling tensions with his rhetoric and claimed that the Ukrainian leader had not done enough to pursue peace. Trump said Zelensky’s recent public statements had made negotiations more difficult, calling them "reckless and unhelpful."
Trump further distanced himself from any future role as a peace negotiator. Previously, he had claimed he could end the war quickly if re-elected. Now, however, he says that task should fall to religious or international figures. “This isn’t my war,” he said. “Let Pope Leo XIV deal with it.”
This surprising reference to a non-existent pope (there is currently no Pope Leo XIV) drew widespread confusion and criticism, with many suggesting it showed Trump was either joking or not taking the situation seriously.
Meanwhile, Zelensky issued his own emotional response to the airstrike, criticizing the global community for remaining largely silent. He called for stronger sanctions on Russia and urged Ukraine’s allies to step up their support. According to Zelensky, without real consequences, Putin will continue escalating the conflict.
The recent Russian assault hit the capital, Kyiv, and other major cities, with most of the damage inflicted on civilian areas and infrastructure. Ukraine’s military managed to shoot down many of the incoming missiles and drones, but the scale of the attack overwhelmed defenses.
International leaders, including those from NATO and the European Union, condemned the attack but stopped short of announcing any new measures. There is growing concern that the war is entering a more dangerous phase, as both sides rely more heavily on drone technology and advanced weaponry.
In the United States, Trump’s comments sparked debate about his changing stance on Putin and the war. Critics pointed to his past praise of the Russian leader and questioned his motives. Supporters, however, saw the remarks as proof that Trump is willing to be tough on global adversaries when needed.
As the war grinds on into another year, the political divide in the U.S. over how to handle the conflict remains deep. Trump’s explosive comments have only added to that divide, making clear that the war in Ukraine will continue to be a major issue in the 2024 U.S. presidential campaign.
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