US President Donald Trump on Sunday harshly criticised both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky during an impromptu interview with reporters and on his Truth Social network.
"I don't know what's going on with Putin. We've always gotten along, but now he's sending missiles into cities and killing people. I don't like it. Not at all," Trump said before flying from Morristown to Washington aboard Air Force One. He later added on social media: "Putin is out of his mind!"
Trump's words came after massive drone and missile attacks between Russia and Ukrainewhich, according to Ukrainian authorities, left at least 12 people dead, including three children, and dozens injured. The Russian defence ministry said it had destroyed 110 Ukrainian drones, including 13 over the Moscow region.
Trump did not stay with Putin alone. He said of President Zelensky that "he is doing his country a disservice with his statements". He was responding to criticism from Ukraine, which has accused the US of passivity in the face of the latest Russian attacks.
"Everything he says just brings more problems. I don't like it and he should stop it," Trump added. At the same time, he rejected personal responsibility for the conflict: "This is Zelensky, Putin and Biden's war - not mine."
Trump also hinted at the possibility further sanctions against Russia over the ongoing attacks, although he did not specify specific steps.
On Trump's statements so far Neither the Kremlin nor the office of the Ukrainian president responded. The situation on the front remains tense and Russian forces are reportedly advancing in eastern Ukraine.
Trump is trying to pose as a potential peacemaker, but his statements have drawn criticism from both sides of the conflict. Developments show that tensions are not only persisting but escalating - and that the political positions of the world powers are more divergent than ever.
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