In a recent statement, US President Donald Trump described Russian President Vladimir Putin as “crazy,” responding to Russia’s intense drone strikes against Ukraine, even as the two nations engaged in a significant prisoner exchange. This exchange marks a pivotal moment amidst escalating tensions.
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For three consecutive nights, Russia has attacked Ukraine, with Ukrainian emergency services reporting that just a day prior, the most significant aerial assault of the ongoing conflict resulted in at least 12 fatalities. The air raid alert in Kyiv lasted six hours, according to Tymur Tkachenko, the head of the city’s military administration, who confirmed that there were no casualties in the capital.
The outskirts of Kyiv faced a combination of drone and missile assaults, which led to damage across three districts in the region, as indicated by the military administration.
In a post shared on his Truth Social platform, Trump noted, “I’ve always had a very good relationship with Vladimir Putin of Russia, but something has happened to him. He has gone absolutely CRAZY!” He added, “I’ve always said that he wants ALL of Ukraine, not just a piece of it, and maybe that’s proving to be right, but if he does, it will lead to the downfall of Russia!” This commentary signals a rare critique of Putin, despite their historically amiable rapport.
Amidst the chaos, Trump expressed growing frustration with Russia’s stance in stalled truce discussions with Ukraine. The Kremlin, in response, stated that Putin’s actions are aimed at bolstering Russia’s security. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov remarked, “President Putin is taking the decisions that are necessary to ensure the security of our country,” portraying the strikes as reactions to Ukrainian attacks.
Earlier, Trump candidly told reporters that he was “not happy” with the recent assaults on Ukraine and is considering increased sanctions against Russia. “I’ve known him a long time, always gotten along with him, but he’s sending rockets into cities and killing people, and I don’t like it at all,” he stated, underscoring his discontent.
Accompanied by a wave of terror and destruction, the latest attacks took the lives of victims aged 8, 12, and 17 in the northwestern Zhytomyr region. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky took to social media to emphasize the need for “truly strong pressure on the Russian leadership” to halt such brutality. He lamented that “the silence of America, the silence of others around the world only encourages Putin,” and underscored that “sanctions will certainly help.”
In his social media commentary, Trump also took aim at Zelensky, asserting, “Everything out of his mouth causes problems. I don’t like it, and it better stop.” Simultaneously, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul condemned the Russian attacks, asserting, “Putin does not want peace; he wants to carry on the war, and we shouldn’t allow him to do this.” He confirmed plans for further sanctions at the European level.
Recent Russian drone strikes in Ukraine wreaked havoc on private homes, particularly in the southern Odesa region, where officials reported a destroyed residential building and at least one injury—a 14-year-old boy caught in the devastation.
The latest attacks coincided with the completion of the third stage of the largest prisoner-of-war exchange between Ukraine and Russia. This significant event, which occurred thousands of kilometers away from the frontline, involved 303 Ukrainian prisoners of war being exchanged for an equal number of Russian soldiers. Zelensky confirmed the successful completion of the swap, which followed negotiations in Istanbul on May 16.
An AFP reporter witnessed former Ukrainian captives arriving at a hospital in the northern Chernigiv region, many appearing emaciated but smiling and waving at the crowds. One former captive, who had spent 37 months and 12 days in captivity after being captured in Mariupol, expressed the overwhelming emotion of his release, saying, “It’s impossible to describe. I can’t put it into words.”
The conflict continues, with the implications of recent events poised to resonate across the globe.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring.
