Former U.S. President Donald Trump has reignited global debate over Russia’s war in Ukraine, calling Vladimir Putin “absolutely crazy” in response to Moscow’s latest escalation — a drone and missile assault described as the largest since the conflict began.

The comments came hours after Ukrainian authorities reported that 355 drones and nine cruise missiles were launched overnight, hitting multiple regions and injuring civilians, including a 14-year-old boy.

“He Wants All of Ukraine”

In a post on Truth Social, Trump warned that Russia’s intentions are far more sweeping than most realize. “I’ve always said that he wants ALL of Ukraine, not just a piece of it,” he wrote. “And maybe that’s proving to be right — but if he does, it will lead to the downfall of Russia!”

Trump’s remarks were as much a geopolitical warning as they were a personal critique of how the war has been handled diplomatically.

A Jab at Zelenskiy and U.S. Strategy

The former president also took aim at Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, suggesting his tone is provocative and escalating tensions. Trump, who has long claimed he could negotiate an end to the war within 24 hours, appears to be positioning himself as a potential peace broker ahead of the 2024 campaign season.

Meanwhile, senior figures in Washington are re-evaluating their sanctions strategy in light of Russia’s renewed aggression.

Kremlin Pushes Back, But Admits U.S. Tried

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov dismissed Trump’s statements, calling them “emotional overload.” However, he acknowledged that the United States — under Trump’s administration — had made serious attempts to bring Kyiv to the negotiating table.

This dual message suggests the Kremlin still sees a difference between Trump-era diplomacy and current White House policy.

Ukraine’s Air Defense Intercepts Most — But Not All

Ukraine’s Air Force said five cities and regions were targeted during the strike. While most drones and missiles were intercepted, several penetrated defenses and caused structural damage, including injuries in the Black Sea region and explosions reported in Kyiv.

The attack serves as a stark reminder of Ukraine’s ongoing vulnerability despite months of Western support and hardware.

Washington Considers New Sanctions

Though no formal announcement has been made, Biden administration officials say additional sanctions are now under review. The scope and target of these measures remain undisclosed, but pressure is building for the U.S. to react decisively — not only to support Ukraine but to deter future escalations.

What’s Next for Trump — and U.S. Foreign Policy?

Trump’s sharp commentary underscores his continued influence on foreign policy discourse in the U.S., especially as the presidential race heats up. His framing of Russia’s ambitions as catastrophic for Moscow may appeal to both hawkish and isolationist wings of his base — portraying him as tough but pragmatic.

The drone strike, paired with Trump's fiery response, may become another inflection point in a conflict that has shown few signs of resolution.

Source:
Reuters — Trump says Putin has ‘gone absolutely crazy’, considering more sanctions on Russia