President Trump has called Putin “absolutely CRAZY,” accused Zelenskyy of provoking war, and blamed Biden’s incompetence. Is this a major shift in U.S. diplomacy?
Key Points
- Trump calls Putin “absolutely crazy” in a shift from earlier praise.
- He blames Biden, Zelenskyy, and Putin for the war, distancing himself.
- The U.S. considers secondary sanctions against Russia after new drone strikes.
- Despite peace talks and a prisoner swap, the conflict continues to escalate.
- Trump tries to revive his image as a global peacemaker amid mounting pressure.
By Virginia Times Editorial Desk
In a surprising twist that sent ripples through diplomatic circles, U.S. President Donald Trump has now turned his rhetorical cannon on Russian President Vladimir Putin. In a Truth Social post dated May 25, 2025, Trump called Putin “absolutely CRAZY” — an extraordinary rebuke of a leader he once praised for being “smart.”
These strong words came in response to the most recent Russian military escalation: over 300 drones and nearly 70 missiles were launched into Ukrainian cities in one night. Reports suggest 13 civilians died in the capital Kyiv alone. According to Trump’s post, Putin’s campaign for full Ukrainian annexation could ultimately be Russia’s undoing.
Trump’s tone, however, wasn’t just reserved for Putin. He slammed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for inflaming tensions with his rhetoric, stating bluntly, “Everything out of his mouth causes problems.”
The Fire Trump Claims He’s Trying to Extinguish
Trump insists the war would never have begun under his presidency. He dubbed it “Zelenskyy’s, Putin’s, and Biden’s War” and painted himself as the firefighter dousing flames others lit through “gross incompetence and hatred.”
That claim, however, is complicated by geopolitical facts. Trump’s administration recently signed a rare earth minerals deal with Ukraine and reduced aid packages — moves some experts say prioritize economic gain over diplomacy.
Peace Efforts and the Pressure to Perform
Earlier this month, Russia and Ukraine began peace talks in Istanbul, leading to the largest prisoner swap since the war began: over 1,000 individuals exchanged. Yet, hopes for a lasting ceasefire remain dim. Ukraine demands its NATO aspirations remain intact, while Russia views that stance as a threat to sovereignty — a deadlock that defies resolution.
To complicate matters further, U.S. Special Envoy Keith Kellogg has called Russia’s strikes a “clear violation” of the 1977 Geneva Peace Protocols. The Biden administration remains largely silent on new sanctions, although Trump has hinted at imposing secondary sanctions in the days ahead.
Critics Are Not Convinced
President Zelenskyy, speaking to the press, said the U.S.’s wavering response is encouraging Putin’s aggression. “This cannot be ignored. America’s silence only encourages Putin,” he warned. Whether Trump’s recent outburst reflects a true strategic shift or just a reaction to political pressure remains unclear.
Nevertheless, Trump’s remarks appear to mark a departure from his former “appeasement” tone. This change also follows his earlier criticism of Putin at a New Jersey airfield, where he said, “I don’t like what Putin is doing. Not even a little bit.”
So What’s Next for Trump and Global Diplomacy?
It is no secret Trump aspires to be seen as a global peacemaker. He claimed during his campaign he could end the war in 24 hours. Nearly five months into his term, that promise remains unfulfilled.
From praising Putin to now calling him dangerous, Trump’s zigzag strategy continues to raise eyebrows. The looming question: will his next move involve genuine diplomacy or calculated politics?
As the kitchen inside Putin’s war room heats up, Trump seems unsure whether to play chef, fireman — or critic from across the ocean.
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