President Donald Trump lashed out at Russian President Vladimir Putin over the weekend, calling him “absolutely CRAZY” after a new wave of missile and drone attacks on Ukraine left further destruction in their wake.
“I’ve always had a very good relationship with Vladimir Putin, but something has happened to him,” Trump told reporters, expressing rare public frustration with a leader he has long claimed to understand.
Despite mounting civilian casualties and repeated US calls for de-escalation, Moscow has pressed ahead with its grinding assault on Ukraine. The intensified airstrikes come as the Biden administration and European allies continue to push for a ceasefire — a goal Trump previously claimed he could deliver “within 24 hours” if reelected.
French President Emmanuel Macron, speaking during a visit to Vietnam, said Trump’s comments marked a turning point. “He realizes Putin has lied. I hope this shift translates into real action,” Macron said.
But history suggests otherwise. Trump has voiced discontent with Putin multiple times in recent months — from expressing outrage over civilian deaths in Kyiv to floating retaliatory economic measures — only to stop short of firm follow-through.
Asked if additional sanctions are now on the table, Trump said, “Absolutely,” though no new measures have yet been enacted by the White House.
Meanwhile, lawmakers on Capitol Hill are taking matters into their own hands. A bipartisan Senate bill, backed by 81 members, seeks sweeping sanctions that could severely undercut Russia’s energy exports. The proposal includes a 500% tariff on nations buying Russian oil — a move that could affect major global players such as China, India, and EU member states.
Such measures, however, remain controversial and risk economic blowback. Whether Trump will support the bill or maintain his hands-off approach remains uncertain.
For now, his latest rebuke adds to a growing list of condemnations with limited consequences. As the war drags on and diplomacy stalls, Trump may be signaling frustration more than strategy.
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