Today's News: Trump Calls Putin "Crazy" Over Ukraine Strikes

Despite this rare rebuke, Trump has so far declined to impose significant new sanctions or restore aid, maintaining his position that the war must be resolved directly between Ukraine and Russia.

Terrence Dorsey

May 26, 2025

Photo: Sergei Supinsky/AFP

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Date: May 25–26, 2025
Topic: Trump Breaks with Putin Over Ukraine Strikes
Summary: President Donald Trump sharply criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin after the largest aerial bombardment of Ukraine since the war began, calling Putin “absolutely crazy” and expressing deep frustration over the violence against civilians. Despite this rare rebuke, Trump has so far declined to impose significant new sanctions or restore aid, maintaining his position that the war must be resolved directly between Ukraine and Russia. Trump’s condemnation followed a previously cordial relationship and a recent call with Putin that failed to yield a ceasefire. European and Ukrainian leaders are pressing for more air defenses and U.S. engagement, but Trump’s administration remains hesitant to provide military aid or escalate diplomatic pressure.

Sources

Key Points

Trump publicly denounced Putin’s behavior after Russia launched its largest drone-and-missile assault on Ukraine, killing dozens of civilians.
Despite the criticism, Trump has resisted committing to new sanctions or providing additional military aid, citing hopes of negotiation.
The Kremlin dismissed Trump’s remarks as “emotional,” while expressing appreciation for his role in peace efforts.
Trump’s previous cordial relationship with Putin has come under strain as Russian escalation continues.
U.S. allies and Ukrainian officials are pushing for more air defense systems, especially Patriot missiles, though the Trump administration is reluctant to provide them directly.
Trump has also criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, claiming his tone is unhelpful and suggesting the war is a result of others’ failures.

Unique Highlights

The New York Times emphasized Trump’s pattern of condemning Russian aggression while refusing to impose meaningful consequences, including walking back on commitments to sanctions and dismantling war crimes investigations.
CNN noted that Trump is “absolutely” reconsidering sanctions and referenced a ceasefire proposal that both Moscow and Kyiv had recently discussed.
NBC News highlighted the Kremlin’s response, characterizing Trump’s comments as stemming from “emotional overload,” while underscoring past ties between the two leaders.
Fox News reported that Trump said Putin “wants all of Ukraine” and warned it would lead to “the downfall of Russia,” contradicting prior positions by his own negotiators.
The Washington Post detailed Ukraine’s dire need for Patriot missile systems and the Trump administration's and NATO allies' reluctance to part with them, suggesting a transactional shift in U.S. aid policy.
The Wall Street Journal disclosed that Trump is tiring of peace talks and may walk away from negotiations while considering alternative sanctions, excluding banking restrictions.

Contrasting Details

CNN framed Trump’s statement as a potential pivot in U.S. posture, possibly reassuring Western allies; The New York Times stressed it as performative and lacking follow-through.
Fox News underscored Trump’s criticism of both Putin and Zelensky, while NBC News contextualized Trump’s tone as consistent with past efforts to remain personally cordial with Putin despite worsening relations.
The Washington Post reported the Trump administration is unlikely to provide free military aid, instead favoring sales, a detail not noted in other articles.
The Wall Street Journal emphasized Trump’s internal doubts about sanctions’ effectiveness and a growing recognition that Putin may not seek peace, a nuance not present in CNN or Fox News reports.

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