Kremlin brushed off United States President Donald Trump’s description of Vladimir Putin as “absolutely crazy,” attributing the U.S president’s remark to "emotional overload" amid Russia’s largest aerial offensive on Monday. Image: KFox
(The Post News)- The Kremlin on Monday dismissed United States President Donald Trump’s appeal to Vladimir Putin. They described it as “absolutely crazy” and attributed the U.S. president’s statement to “emotional overload.” Meanwhile, Russia launches its largest air campaign since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Trump delivered the sharp rebuke on Truth Social late Sunday. This followed a record weekend of Russian bombardments. Over 360 drones and missiles rained down upon Ukrainian cities. This attack killed a minimum of 13 people and injured dozens. Ukraine’s air force reported 355 drones were launched overnight alone—tied for the biggest drone attack since the war began.
“Something has happened to him,” Trump said of Putin. “He has gone completely CRAZY! Unnecessarily killing a lot of people. He’s wanting all of Ukraine, not part of it, and maybe that’s working out to be right. But if he does, it will be the demise of Russia!”
Trump rained down vitriol with his words. Meanwhile, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov maintained a higher tone. He stated: “This is a very important moment. It is connected, naturally, with the emotional overload of all absolutely and with emotional response.” He also thanked Trump and the American people for their efforts towards helping Russia and Ukraine continue ceasefire talks.
Peskov rationalized the weekend aerial attacks, stating them to be in response to Ukrainian strikes against Russian infrastructure. The Russian Defense Ministry stated 20 Ukrainian drones were thwarted over Russian territories, but there was limited information.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy criticized the attacks. He described them as “an obvious political decision” by Putin to extend the war. This decision brings civilian suffering. “There is no sense in this for the military,” he said in his night speech. Zelenskyy has not publicly responded to Trump’s rant. The US leader criticized him for creating issues through his words. “Everything that comes out of his mouth creates issues… it needs to stop.”
Trump scolded both leaders. He continues to position himself as a possible peace negotiator. He boasted of a recent two-hour phone call with Putin to negotiate a U.S.-suggested ceasefire. Ukraine has accepted a 30-day truce in principle. However, Moscow only agreed to negotiate a future “memorandum.” Kyiv and its allies characterize this as a measure to buy time.
The growing violence casts a shadow over the negotiations. Russia is apparently intensifying its summer offensive, with military activity increasing in Kharkiv, Sumy, and Zaporizhzhia. Analysts, such as those at London’s Royal United Services Institute, are warning about Moscow’s actions. They believe that Moscow might be testing Ukrainian defenses. This could be an attempt to increase its bargaining leverage.
During the mounting violence, Germany has removed range limits on the weapons it arms Ukraine with. Chancellor Friedrich Merz senses the possibility of shipping in long-range Taurus missiles. These missiles can hit deep into Russia. “Ukraine is now able to defend itself… by hitting military installations in Russia,” Merz stated.
The Kremlin has decried such actions as risky escalations.
In Washington, bipartisan pressure for additional sanctions is mounting. Trump, while faulting Putin’s recent moves, reiterated Sunday that he is “absolutely” considering additional sanctions. Senators Lindsey Graham and Richard Blumenthal have introduced legislation. This legislation would authorize steep tariffs on Russian exports. These tariffs would apply if Moscow fails to negotiate in good faith to reach peace.
Despite his toughened language, Trump’s extensive history of cordial encounters with Putin is still being closely examined. Opponents point to past examples. These range from labeling Putin “highly respected” to inviting Russian interference in the 2016 election. They view these as evidence of hypocritical behavior.
Ukraine is under siege. The world is watching closely. Trump’s tight relationship dance is going to be pushed to an extreme. He denounces Putin’s militarism. Simultaneously, he practices personal diplomacy.
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