In a fiery weekend statement that is already sparking global controversy, former U.S. President Donald J. Trump referred to Russian President Vladimir Putin as “crazy” following a brutal drone attack carried out by Russian forces against Ukrainian cities, which reportedly left dozens dead and many more injured.
The strike, which Ukrainian officials have described as one of the most intense drone bombardments of the year, came just hours after Russia and Ukraine completed a high-profile prisoner exchange, swapping over 200 captured soldiers and personnel.
“This man Putin is absolutely crazy,” Trump told supporters during a campaign event in Des Moines, Iowa, on Sunday evening. “You can’t shake hands with someone in the morning and bomb civilians in the afternoon.”
Trump’s comment marks a notable shift in tone from his earlier remarks throughout the Russia-Ukraine conflict, where he had often drawn criticism for appearing sympathetic or neutral toward Moscow.
Also Read: Russia Unleashes Largest Air Attack on Ukraine Since War Began
According to Ukrainian defense officials, the drone assault involved over 60 Iranian-made Shahed drones, many of which targeted residential areas in Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Dnipro. The Ukrainian Air Force claims to have intercepted most of the drones, but at least 19 civilians were killed, including children, with over 50 others wounded in the attacks.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the airstrikes in a televised address, calling them “a cynical attack on peace and diplomacy.”
The timing of the assault coming just hours after the largest prisoner exchange since the war beganhas drawn sharp rebuke from international leaders. The swap, which included wounded Ukrainian fighters and captured Russian officers, was seen as a rare diplomatic breakthrough in an otherwise unrelenting conflict.
Trump, who is once again seeking the Republican nomination for the 2026 presidential election, used the occasion to sharply criticize President Joe Biden’s foreign policy.
Also Read: Burkina Faso Says “Never Again” as It Learns from Japan Disasters
“We are living in a world out of control because America is not leading with strength. Putin would never have dared this if I were still in office,” Trump said.
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean Pierre responded on Monday, stating, “President Biden stands firmly with Ukraine and continues to support its defense. Cheap insults and name calling won’t end the war strategic alliances and real leadership will.”
While Trump’s comment has electrified parts of his political base, foreign policy analysts warn that inflammatory rhetoric could complicate diplomatic efforts, especially as NATO leaders prepare for an emergency summit next week.
As Ukraine buries its dead and Russia shows no signs of slowing its assault, the world watches anxiously to see whether the prisoner exchange signals the start of renewed negotiations or merely a brief pause in a grinding, deadly war.
Follow us on X @Dobblog1
No comments:
Post a Comment
Join the conversation by leaving a comment below. Keep it respectful, relevant, and on-topic - we love hearing from our readers!