Trump Criticizes Putin After Tense Call: “He Just Wants to Keep Killing People in Ukraine”
In a blunt remark aboard Air Force One on Friday, US President Donald Trump expressed deep frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin, accusing him of continuing the war in Ukraine with no intention of stopping the violence.
“It’s a very tough situation… I was very unhappy with my call with President Putin. He wants to go all the way, just keep killing people — it’s no good,” Trump said, as reported by Reuters.
Talk of Sanctions Against Russia
Trump hinted at fresh US sanctions against Russia, following what was reportedly Moscow’s largest-ever drone and missile assault on Ukraine since the war began.
“We talked about sanctions a lot,” Trump said, adding that “He [Putin] understands that they may be coming.”
Trump Speaks to Zelensky, Acknowledges Need for Missiles
The former president also shared details of his phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, during which they discussed defense needs, particularly Patriot missile systems.
“They’re going to need them for defense… They’re going to need something because they’re being hit pretty hard,” Trump said.
Ukraine has consistently urged the US for more Patriot missile defense systems, which are seen as vital to protecting Ukrainian cities from intensifying Russian aerial attacks.
Russia Launches Massive Aerial Assault on Kyiv
While Trump and Putin were on their call, Russia launched its most extensive aerial attack on Kyiv since the beginning of the invasion three years ago.
According to Associated Press, waves of drones and missiles targeted the capital overnight, killing one person and injuring at least 26 others, including a child.
Ukrainian President Zelensky posted on Telegram, highlighting the timing of the attack during the Trump-Putin call:
“Yet again, Russia is showing it has no intention of ending the war and terror.”
As tensions between Washington and Moscow escalate once again, Trump’s candid remarks underline the continued geopolitical strain caused by Russia’s ongoing aggression in Ukraine.