Trump Calls Putin “Crazy” After Drone Strikes, Kremlin Hits Back
In a dramatic escalation of international rhetoric, U.S. President Donald Trump condemned Russian President Vladimir Putin over a massive drone assault on Ukraine, calling him “absolutely crazy.” The Kremlin has responded with a strong defense, framing the strikes as acts of retaliation and self-defense.
Trump Condemns Putin’s Drone Offensive
On May 26, 2025, Trump reacted to Russia’s largest aerial attack on Ukraine since the war began in 2022, where 355 drones and missiles were launched, killing at least 12 civilians, including children. Speaking at a campaign event, Trump said, “He’s killing a lot of people. I don’t know what the hell happened to him, right? He’s sending rockets into cities and killing people, and I don’t like it at all.”
Trump also shared the sentiment on social media, sharply criticizing Putin’s actions and characterizing the assault as a barbaric move that intensified an already devastating conflict.
Kremlin Says Putin Is “Defending Russia”
Responding to Trump’s remarks, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov defended President Putin’s actions, claiming the drone strikes were retaliatory and in defense of Russian sovereignty. Peskov said, “Putin is defending our country. The attacks were a response to ongoing provocations and threats to Russian security.”
This firm rebuttal reflects Moscow’s ongoing justification for its continued military aggression, despite rising international condemnation.
Trump Blames Zelenskyy and Biden Too
While slamming Putin, Trump didn’t spare Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and U.S. President Joe Biden. He described the conflict as “Zelenskyy’s, Putin’s, and Biden’s War,” adding that had he been president, the war would never have started. Trump reiterated his claim that he would end the conflict swiftly if re-elected, positioning himself as the only leader capable of restoring peace.
This triangulated blame tactic has drawn criticism and support in equal measure, with analysts pointing out Trump’s repeated distancing from NATO’s stance.
Rising Civilian Toll and Fear of Escalation
The weekend’s drone strikes caused widespread destruction in Kyiv and other regions. Ukrainian officials reported that 18 residential buildings were hit in Khmelnytsky, and a 14-year-old boy was injured in Odesa. In Kyiv, air raid sirens wailed for nearly six hours, marking one of the most intense nights of bombardment in recent months.
Global observers fear that the scale of these attacks and the mounting civilian toll could signal an even deadlier phase of the war, with diplomatic options shrinking rapidly.
