Trump Slams Putin:In a sharp escalation of rhetoric, U.S. President Donald Trump has strongly condemned Russian President Vladimir Putin following an unprecedented weekend of missile and drone attacks on Ukraine. The Ukrainian air force reported that Russia launched a record number of drones on Sunday alone, calling it the largest attack of the war in terms of weapons fired, though not the deadliest in terms of human casualties.
Trump Slams Putin: President Trump Condemns Putin’s Escalation in Ukraine
In a sharp escalation of rhetoric, U.S. President Donald Trump has strongly condemned Russian President Vladimir Putin following an unprecedented weekend of missile and drone attacks on Ukraine. The Ukrainian air force reported that Russia launched a record number of drones on Sunday alone, calling it the largest attack of the war in terms of weapons fired, though not the deadliest in terms of human casualties.
President trump Says: “I’ve always had a very good relationship with Vladimir Putin of Russia, but something has happened to him. He has gone absolutely CRAZY! He is needlessly killing a lot of people, and I’m not just talking about soldiers. Missiles and drones are being shot into Cities in Ukraine, for no reason whatsoever. I’ve always said that he wants ALL of Ukraine, not just a piece of it, and maybe that’s proving to be right, but if he does, it will lead to the downfall of Russia! Likewise, President Zelenskyy is doing his Country no favors by talking the way he does. Everything out of his mouth causes problems, I don’t like it, and it better stop. This is a War that would never have started if I were President. This is Zelenskyy’s, Putin’s, and Biden’s War, not “Trump’s,” I am only helping to put out the big and ugly fires, that have been started through Gross Incompetence and Hatred.”
U.S. Considers More Sanctions
Trump highlighted the irony of being in communication with Putin while Russia continued to fire rockets into Ukrainian cities, including the capital Kyiv. He also indicated that the U.S. is considering imposing further sanctions on Russia in response to the continued aggression.
Russia Likely to Dismiss Trump’s Remarks
In Moscow, Russian officials are unlikely to offer a strong public reaction to Trump’s comments. this is reported by Al Jazeera correspondent Dorsa Jabari, Russian authorities have consistently downplayed the impact of international sanctions, maintaining that the country’s economy has adapted since the war began in February 2022. Trump’s remarks about Putin’s mental state are expected to be dismissed as political rhetoric, without any formal response.
Putin Prioritizing Victory Over Diplomacy
What’s becoming increasingly evident is that President Putin appears more focused on achieving a decisive military victory in Ukraine than on maintaining diplomatic ties with the United States. Despite a reported two-hour phone call earlier this month between Trump and Putin, during which they discussed drafting a memorandum on pursuing a potential ceasefire, the ground realities suggest otherwise. The latest wave of Russian attacks indicates a stark shift away from diplomatic intentions.
Kyiv Under Heavy Drone and Missile Fire
Meanwhile, in Kyiv, Media rep Some of these drones reportedly flew at altitudes too high to be intercepted by existing anti-aircraft systems. The attack caused widespread panic in the capital and across 13 regions of Ukraine, including Odessa and Kharkiv.
Reports says that Russia hits Ukrainian capital Kyiv with heavy missile and drone attack: Ukraine’s capital came under a large-scale combined drone and missile attack late at night on 23 May, with explosions and machine gun fire heard throughout the city. Many Kyiv residents were taking shelter.
Objectives Behind Targeting the Capital
The goals of targeting Kyiv appear to be twofold: disrupting command and control structures and sowing fear among the civilian population. The city, though far from the front lines in the east and south, remains a symbolic and strategic target.
Russia Rapidly Boosts Drone Production
A report from The Economist, cited by Hendren, reveals that Russia has drastically increased its production of Shahed drones, which it previously produced at a rate of 300 per month. Now, it is reportedly capable of producing that number in just three days, with plans to reach a staggering 500 drones per day. This surge in drone production comes at a time when Ukraine is struggling to maintain its anti-aircraft defenses due to depleted munitions and concerns over resupply from the U.S. and Europe.
Ukraine Struggles to Keep Up Amid Growing Air Threat
The strategy of overwhelming Ukrainian air defenses through swarming drone attacks appears to be working. At the same time, Ukraine has been retaliating with drone strikes of its own, including recent attacks that temporarily shut down airports in Russia.
Putin Presses Forward, Believing He’s Winning
Putin’s aggressive escalation suggests he believes Russia has gained the upper hand, despite ongoing international condemnation. As Ukraine pleads for more support and sanctions from the West, the air war continues to intensify, pushing the conflict into a dangerous new phase.