President Donald Trump has expressed alarm over Russian President Vladimir Putin’s recent military actions in Ukraine.
In a candid moment, Trump admitted he no longer understands Putin’s motives, despite their long-standing relationship. His remarks come amid the deadliest aerial assault of the war so far.
Trump says he is ‘not happy with Putin’
While leaving his Bedminster golf club en route to Washington, President Trump spoke briefly to reporters about the war in Ukraine.
He said, “I’m not happy with what Putin’s doing. He’s killing a lot of people. I don’t know what the hell happened to Putin.”
Trump added that he had always gotten along with the Russian leader, but now believes Putin has changed. He condemned the ongoing missile attacks on Ukrainian cities, including Kyiv.
‘Yeah, I’ll give you an update. I’m not happy with what Putin’s doing,’ Trump said on the tarmac of Morristown Airport. ‘He’s killing a lot of people.’
“We’re in the middle of talking and he’s shooting rockets into cities. I don’t like it at all,” Trump said.
Trump expressed concern that the Russian leader might have undergone a sudden and dangerous change of heart.
‘We’re in the middle of talking and he’s shooting rockets into Kyiv and other cities. I don’t like it at all… I don’t know what’s wrong with him.’
Trump says peace talks failed as russia escalates war
Earlier in the week, Trump spoke to Putin for two hours by phone, hoping to broker a ceasefire. Those talks proved unsuccessful.
Instead, Russia launched its most deadly aerial assault of the war. At least 12 people were killed, and 57 injured. Local Ukrainian officials said the dead included three children in Zhytomyr.
The strikes involved 69 missiles and nearly 300 drones. Ukrainian forces shot down most, but many still caused destruction.
U.S. Special Envoy to Ukraine Keith Kellogg called the strikes a “clear violation” of international law. He urged a ceasefire and stronger international response.
While, Zelenskiy criticizes western silence and demands trump support sanctions after russian attacks
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has urged Trump and the U.S. to speak out more forcefully.
“The silence of America, the silence of others in the world only encourages Putin,” he said via Telegram.
Zelenskiy called for new sanctions against Russia in response to the latest civilian casualties.
Trump said he is “absolutely” considering more sanctions due to Putin’s recent actions, though no new measures have yet been announced.
Reports suggest putin preparing 50,000 troops for a new offensive despite trump’s peace push
Ukraine’s Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko said the latest Russian strike was a “ruthless attack aimed at civilians.” It was the third large-scale assault in a week.
Defense analysts suggest the attacks could be a prelude to a massive summer offensive. Reports indicate that up to 50,000 Russian troops are being prepared for an advance in Kharkiv, Sumy, and Dnipro regions.
Trump, asked about speculation that Putin’s helicopter was nearly hit by a Ukrainian drone, replied, “I haven’t heard that, but maybe that would be a reason for this.”
Still, he reiterated confusion about Putin’s actions. “I don’t know what’s wrong with him,” Trump said.