Former President Donald Trump expressed his discontent with Russian President Vladimir Putin, particularly following a significant increase in aerial assaults by Moscow on Ukraine. Speaking to reporters in New Jersey en route to Washington D.C., Trump remarked, “I’m not happy with what Putin is doing. He’s killing a lot of people, and I don’t know what the hell happened to Putin,” highlighting his surprise at the current situation.
Despite having a longstanding relationship with Putin, Trump condemned the actions taken against Ukraine, stating, “He’s sending rockets into cities and killing people, and I don’t like it at all.” He noted that they were in negotiations while the attacks were occurring, indicating a stark contrast between diplomatic efforts and military actions.
Trump expressed concern that there has been a change in Putin’s behaviour, saying, “I don’t like what Putin is doing, not even a little bit. He’s killing people. And something happened to this guy, and I don’t like it.” He is now “absolutely” contemplating further sanctions against Russia, responding to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s calls for increased pressure on Moscow.
Just a week prior, Russia had conducted its most extensive drone assault against Ukraine, following a phone call between Putin and Trump regarding a potential 30-day ceasefire. Following that discussion, Trump relayed optimism, claiming that “Russia and Ukraine will immediately start negotiations” towards ending the conflict.
In light of the recent attacks, which resulted in at least 12 fatalities, including children in the Zhytomyr region, Trump reiterated the necessity of negotiations between the two parties, suggesting they would possess insights into the details that others may not be privy to. Zelensky, after the attacks, remarked that the lack of response from the United States and the wider global community merely emboldens Putin.
The tragic toll of the latest assault underscores the dire humanitarian situation, with many casualties and injuries reported, including severe conditions for survivors. Tragically, among those lost were three siblings from the same family, highlighting the indiscriminate nature of the violence. The relentless attacks and the international community’s response remain pivotal themes in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.