Former President Donald Trump expressed strong disapproval of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s recent military actions against Ukraine. Speaking to reporters at Morristown Municipal Airport in New Jersey, Trump criticized Putin for launching a large-scale attack that involved hundreds of drones and missiles targeting Ukrainian cities, including Kyiv.
During his remarks, Trump stated, "I’m not happy with what Putin is doing. He’s killing a lot of people." He emphasized his long-standing relationship with Putin, saying, "I’ve known him a long time, always gotten along with him," but he could not condone the violence. Trump’s comments came shortly after a significant Russian assault that resulted in at least 12 deaths and numerous injuries.
The attack, described as one of the largest aerial strikes of the ongoing conflict, saw Russian forces deploying 298 drones and 69 missiles. This level of aggression prompted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to call for a global response, asserting that the world’s silence only encourages further attacks from Russia.
In his statements, Trump reiterated his belief that Putin aims to control all of Ukraine, not just parts of it. He warned that such ambitions could lead to Russia’s downfall. He also criticized Zelenskyy, suggesting that the Ukrainian leader’s comments were counterproductive and could exacerbate the situation.
Trump took to social media later to express his frustration further, declaring that Putin has "gone absolutely CRAZY!" He framed the conflict as a result of poor leadership from both Zelenskyy and President Biden, claiming, "This is a War that would never have started if I were President."
The unfolding situation in Ukraine remains tense, with calls for international action growing louder in the wake of the recent strikes. As the conflict continues, the implications of these military actions are likely to resonate beyond the immediate region, drawing attention and concern from global leaders and citizens alike.