In a sharp departure from his historically cordial tone, Donald Trump has openly criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin, calling him “absolutely crazy” amid rising violence in Ukraine. This new stance signals growing frustration from the former U.S. president as the war drags on, with Russia intensifying its airstrikes across Ukrainian cities.
The Kremlin has responded carefully, attributing Trump’s remarks to an “emotional overload” during these tense geopolitical times.
Trump Criticizes Putin Over Ukraine: A Shift in Tone
For years, Trump maintained a surprisingly friendly relationship with Vladimir Putin, often resisting criticism even when tensions escalated. But that changed on Sunday when Trump posted on Truth Social:
“I’ve always had a very good relationship with Vladimir Putin of Russia, but something’s happened to him. He’s gone absolutely crazy!”
Trump’s comments came shortly after Russia launched a record number of drones and cruise missiles into Ukraine—an assault that left widespread destruction and at least a dozen deaths in Kyiv.
Kremlin’s Reaction: “Emotional Overload” Behind Trump’s Outburst
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov acknowledged Trump’s previous efforts to support diplomatic discussions but suggested that recent emotional reactions are understandable.
“This is a very important moment, which is undoubtedly accompanied by emotional overload and emotional reactions from everyone,” Peskov said, adding that Russia remains appreciative of Trump’s past diplomacy.
This subtle yet firm response from the Kremlin seems aimed at calming the rhetoric without dismissing the severity of Trump’s criticism.
Trump Takes Aim at Zelensky Too
Interestingly, Trump didn’t limit his critique to Putin. He also called out Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, suggesting that his comments were not helping Ukraine’s cause.
“Likewise, President Zelensky is not helping his country with the kind of things he’s saying,” Trump stated before boarding Air Force One.
This dual criticism underscores Trump’s dissatisfaction with how both leaders are handling the conflict—despite his frequent promises to end the war if re-elected.
What This Means for U.S. Foreign Policy and Global Perception
Trump’s harsh words mark a pivotal shift in U.S.-Russia dynamics, particularly from a figure once viewed as being unusually friendly toward Moscow. As Trump positions himself for the 2024 elections, his more aggressive posture toward Putin could influence public opinion—and possibly global strategy.
The Kremlin’s carefully worded response hints that while the rhetoric is heating up, the doors for diplomatic engagement remain open.
