Trump Blasts Putin and Zelensky Over Ukraine Conflict: What He Claims Would Have Changed
Trump's Strong Words on the Ukraine Crisis
In a recent statement, former US President Donald Trump criticized both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, asserting that the ongoing conflict would not have occurred if he were still in office. His comments followed a significant airstrike by Russia that resulted in numerous civilian casualties, including children.
Posting on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump expressed his discontent with Putin, whom he described as 'crazy,' despite previously claiming to have had a good rapport with him. He stated, '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 is needlessly killing a lot of people, and I’m not just talking about soldiers.'
Trump further elaborated, '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!'
He also took aim at Zelensky, responding to the Ukrainian leader's recent remarks about America's perceived inaction emboldening Putin. Trump remarked, 'Likewise, President Zelensky is doing his country no favours by talking the way he does. Everything out of his mouth causes problems, I don’t like it, and it better stop. This is a war that would never have started if I were President.'
Until Sunday evening, Trump had refrained from commenting on Russia's airstrikes, but he finally addressed the issue while speaking to reporters, stating, 'He’s killing a lot of people. I don’t know what’s wrong with him. What the hell happened to him, right? He’s killing a lot of people. I’m not happy about that.'
Trump distanced himself from the conflict, asserting that the war is the responsibility of Zelensky, Putin, and his successor, President Joe Biden. He stated, 'This is Zelensky’s, Putin’s, and Biden’s war, not ‘Trump’s.’ I am only helping to put out the big and ugly fires that have been started through gross incompetence and hatred.'
The recent deadly strikes by Russia occurred shortly after both nations conducted their largest prisoner exchange since the invasion began in February 2022, with around 1,000 prisoners released from each side. Ukrainian officials reported that among the casualties were two children, aged eight and twelve, along with a 17-year-old in the Zhytomyr region.
In light of the escalating violence, Trump hinted at the possibility of imposing stricter sanctions on Russia. However, his views seem to contrast with those of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who indicated that Trump believes that threatening sanctions at this juncture might deter Russia from engaging in negotiations.