The President of the United States, Donald Trump, has declared himself „very unhappy” with his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, after Moscow launched the most extensive aerial attack on Ukraine since the beginning of the 2022 invasion.
In a rare statement of condemnation, Trump said, „What the hell is wrong with him? He’s killing a lot of people.”
Later, he described Putin as "completely crazy," as reported by BBC.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky criticized Washington's lack of response to Russia's recent attacks, stating that this "silence" encourages Putin. He called for "strong pressure" on Moscow, including imposing stricter economic sanctions.
On Sunday night, Russia launched 367 drones and missiles at Ukraine, the largest number in a single night.
Trump: "I have always gotten along well with him, but now he is sending missiles into cities"
At least 12 people died and dozens were injured in Sunday night's airstrike. Warning sirens sounded again on Monday morning in several regions of Ukraine. In the city of Kharkiv, in the northeast of the country, Mayor Ihor Terehov announced that at least three people were injured, including a child.
While in New Jersey on Sunday evening, Trump spoke about Putin: "I've known him for a long time, I've always gotten along well with him, but now he's sending missiles into cities and killing people, and I don't like that at all."
Shortly after, in a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote that the Russian leader "has completely lost it."
Trump reiterated his belief that Putin does not settle for a part of Ukraine but aims to control it entirely.
"I've always said he wants all of Ukraine, and maybe I was right. But if he does, it will lead to the collapse of Russia!" the American leader declared.
Trump harshly criticizes Zelensky: "Everything he says creates problems"
In addition to Putin, Trump had harsh words for Zelensky, accusing him of "not doing any good for Ukraine" with his statements.
"Everything that comes out of his mouth causes problems. I don't like it, and it would be good if he stopped," Trump wrote in a new post on Truth Social.
US, between peace negotiations and withdrawal from the negotiating table
While Ukraine's European allies prepare new sanctions, the US seems more focused on mediating peace negotiations.
The Trump administration announced that it will continue diplomatic efforts for a ceasefire agreement but could "pull out" if there are no real progress in Russo-Ukrainian talks.
Last week, Trump and Putin had a two-hour phone call discussing an American proposal for a ceasefire. Trump said the discussion was "very good" and that Russia and Ukraine will immediately begin negotiations for a ceasefire and "ending the war." Ukraine publicly accepted a 30-day ceasefire.
Putin promises only "memorandum," Kiev accuses of delaying tactics
While Ukraine has shown willingness to negotiate a temporary ceasefire, Putin has only conveyed that Russia will work with Ukraine on a "memorandum" regarding a "possible future peace" - a position deemed by Kiev and European allies as a delaying tactic.
The first direct meeting between the delegations of the two countries since 2022 took place on May 16 in Istanbul.
Amid diplomatic efforts, the situation on the ground remains grim. Russia currently holds about 20% of Ukrainian territory, including the illegally annexed Crimea peninsula in 2014.
Apart from a major prisoner exchange last week, no significant progress has been made towards stopping the fighting.