Trump Condemns Putin Drone Assault on Ukraine, Signals Tougher Russia Sanctions

U.S. President Donald Trump labeled Russian President Vladimir Putin “absolutely CRAZY” for orchestrating the largest aerial assault of the Russia-Ukraine war, involving 355 drones and nine cruise missiles targeting Ukraine overnight.

The unprecedented attack, confirmed by the Ukrainian air force as Russia’s biggest drone strike to date, killed at least 12 people, including three children in Ukraine’s northern Zhytomyr region. Trump, posting on Truth Social, suggested that Putin’s aggressive tactics signal an ambition to seize all of Ukraine, warning that such actions could lead to Russia’s “downfall.”

The barrage marked the third consecutive night of Russian aerial attacks, with Ukrainians enduring hours of drone activity and anti-aircraft fire disrupting their sleep.

The Ukrainian air force reported that the latest assault struck targets across five locations, though specific details on military damage remain undisclosed. Trump also criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, accusing him of exacerbating tensions with provocative statements that “cause problems” for his war-torn nation.

The U.S. president urged Zelenskiy to temper his rhetoric, emphasizing that his public comments are doing Ukraine “no favors” amid escalating hostilities.

Russia’s record-breaking attack deployed 367 drones and missiles, surpassing previous strikes in scale, though earlier assaults have claimed higher death tolls. The Kremlin defends its actions as a “special military operation” to counter NATO’s alleged encroachment, while Ukraine condemns Russia’s campaign as an unprovoked war of aggression.

Trump signaled that the U.S. is considering new sanctions on Moscow in response to the intensified attacks, aiming to pressure Russia into de-escalating the conflict.

The Russia-Ukraine war, now in its fourth year, shows no signs of abating, with Russian forces advancing in eastern Ukraine and both sides deploying swarms of drones in fierce combat.

Ukrainian officials reported no immediate response to Trump’s remarks, and the Kremlin has yet to comment on the U.S. president’s statements or the proposed sanctions.

The ongoing escalation underscores the deep divide between Russia and Ukraine, with major powers urging peace talks while fighting intensifies along critical frontlines.

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