President Donald Trump recently expressed strong disapproval of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s actions, particularly in light of a recent wave of violence in Ukraine. During a press conference, Trump stated he was "not happy" with Putin’s large-scale military strikes, which resulted in significant casualties, including the deaths of at least 12 people, among them three children.
The remarks came as Russia launched one of its largest aerial attacks on Ukraine since the conflict began over three years ago. This assault involved the use of 69 missiles and 298 drones, marking the most extensive single aerial attack of the war. Ukrainian officials reported that air defenses were actively responding to threats, particularly in the capital city of Kyiv and in the Kharkiv region.
In a rare moment of cooperation, Russia and Ukraine also completed a significant prisoner exchange. Over 300 soldiers were swapped, following two previous exchanges that involved hundreds more combatants and civilians. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that 303 Ukrainian defenders were returning home, emphasizing the importance of these exchanges amid ongoing hostilities.
Trump’s comments about Putin included a stark critique, stating, "He’s killing a lot of people," and questioning what had happened to the Russian leader. He further elaborated on social media, claiming that Putin had "gone absolutely CRAZY!" The former president also suggested that Putin’s ambitions extend beyond Ukraine, warning that if he sought to take the entire country, it could lead to Russia’s downfall.
In addition to his criticisms of Putin, Trump did not shy away from addressing Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, suggesting that Zelenskyy’s public statements were unhelpful and could exacerbate the situation. He concluded by asserting that the conflict would not have escalated had he been in office, labeling it as "Zelenskyy’s, Putin’s, and Biden’s War."
The backdrop of these comments is a complex and ongoing conflict that has seen numerous escalations and negotiations. The recent prisoner swap and the massive aerial assault highlight the fragile state of relations between the two nations, as both sides continue to grapple with the realities of war.