Russia has pushed back against U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent comments calling Russian President Vladimir Putin “absolutely crazy.” The remarks came after Russia launched one of its biggest airstrikes on Ukraine since the war began. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov suggested Trump was speaking out of emotion due to the tense situation. He also acknowledged that the U.S. and Trump had helped start peace talks but said everyone was emotionally overwhelmed at the moment.
Trump had spoken to reporters in New Jersey, where he strongly criticized Putin for launching missile attacks on Ukrainian cities like Kyiv. Trump said he had known Putin for a long time and usually got along with him, but was now shocked by the violence. He repeated his views on Truth Social, saying Putin had “gone absolutely CRAZY” and was killing many people unnecessarily. Trump warned that if Putin tried to take all of Ukraine, it could lead to Russia’s collapse.
Trump also had harsh words for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. He said Zelensky’s way of speaking made things worse and needed to stop.
Meanwhile, Ukraine reported that Russia had used 355 drones and nine cruise missiles in recent attacks on areas across the country. Zelensky said only strength and unity from the U.S., Europe, and other countries could stop these attacks. He called for more sanctions on Russia to cut off its ability to continue the war.
A day before, Zelensky had criticized the U.S. for not reacting strongly enough to Russia’s actions. French President Emmanuel Macron echoed Zelensky’s frustration, hoping that Trump’s anger would lead to real action.
Zelensky is expected to travel to Berlin on Wednesday to meet German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who has already pledged to take stronger measures against Russia if it doesn’t agree to a ceasefire soon. Denmark’s Prime Minister, Mette Frederiksen, also condemned Putin, saying he talks about peace but attacks Ukraine at night.
Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed it had shot down 95 Ukrainian drones. In response to the violence, Trump’s envoy for Ukraine and Russia, Keith Kellogg, posted on X (formerly Twitter), calling for an immediate ceasefire and condemning the killing of civilians.
Despite the violence, a large prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine was completed over the weekend. Each side released 1,000 prisoners, with 303 Ukrainian soldiers returning home. These peace efforts are part of ongoing talks in Turkey, though neither Putin nor Zelensky attended the meetings. Putin refused Zelensky’s offer to meet in person.
Trump announced on May 19 that ceasefire talks would begin right away after a positive two-hour phone call with Putin. He also spoke to Zelensky and several European leaders. Zelensky later described the moment as very important.
Although tensions remain between Zelensky and Trump—especially after a heated exchange in February during a White House meeting—they have since had more constructive discussions. One such meeting took place in Rome during Pope Francis’ funeral in April, where they talked face-to-face and agreed to continue working together toward peace.
