Trump Warns Putin’s Ukraine Ambitions Could Spell Russia’s “Downfall”

May 26, 2025, Washington, D.C. — U.S. President Donald Trump issued a stark warning to Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday, cautioning that an attempt to conquer all of Ukraine could lead to Russia’s “downfall.” In a late-night post on Truth Social, Trump also took aim at Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, criticizing his rhetoric as counterproductive, while expressing dismay at Putin’s intensified military campaign. The remarks come amid heightened tensions following Russia’s largest air assault on Ukraine in three years, which has drawn global attention and underscored the challenges of Trump’s diplomatic efforts to broker peace.

Trump’s Rebuke of Putin and Zelenskyy

In his Truth Social post, Trump lamented a perceived change in Putin, with whom he claimed to have had a “very good relationship.” He wrote, “Something has happened to him. He has gone absolutely CRAZY!” Trump condemned the ongoing violence, noting that Putin’s actions are “needlessly killing a lot of people,” beyond just soldiers.

The statement followed a weekend of devastating Russian strikes on Ukraine, with real-time reports confirming that Moscow launched 298 drones and 69 missiles across multiple Ukrainian cities, killing at least 12 people, including three children, between Saturday and Sunday. The barrage disrupted Kyiv Day celebrations, forcing residents into bunkers, metro stations, and basements for safety.

Trump also expressed frustration with Zelenskyy, accusing the Ukrainian leader of “doing his country no favors” with his outspoken criticism of U.S. inaction. Zelenskyy had earlier condemned the “silence of America” after the weekend attacks, urging stronger measures against Russia. Trump responded sharply, stating, “Everything out of his mouth causes problems; I don’t like it, and it better stop.” The U.S. president’s comments highlight a growing rift with Zelenskyy, who has been pressing for international support to counter Russia’s aggression.

Did You Know?
The Russia-Ukraine conflict, which began with Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014, has displaced over 14 million people, according to recent UN estimates, making it one of the largest displacement crises in modern history.

Russia’s Escalation Tests Trump’s Peace Claims

During his 2024 presidential campaign, Trump repeatedly vowed to end the Ukraine-Russia conflict within 24 hours of taking office. However, the recent escalation in Russian attacks has cast doubt on those promises. On Sunday, Trump told reporters he was “very surprised” by Putin’s intensified bombardment, despite U.S. efforts to negotiate a ceasefire. When pressed on whether he would impose additional sanctions on Russia, Trump signaled openness, stating, “Absolutely. He’s killing a lot of people. What the hell happened to him?”

Real-time data indicates that Russia’s latest assault targeted critical infrastructure across Ukraine, with energy facilities and civilian areas heavily impacted. Ukrainian officials reported widespread power outages and damage to residential buildings, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis as temperatures drop. The strikes mark a significant escalation, contradicting Trump’s earlier assertions that Putin was amenable to peace talks. Ukraine and its European allies have pushed for a 30-day ceasefire as a starting point for negotiations, but Trump’s reluctance to impose immediate sanctions on Moscow has frustrated Kyiv’s leadership.

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Zelenskyy’s Call for Action Amid Diplomatic Stalemate

Zelenskyy has intensified his appeals for global intervention, arguing that each Russian attack justifies new sanctions. In a Telegram post, his chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, warned that without international pressure, Russia would continue to bolster its military capabilities, potentially threatening Western nations. “Moscow will fight as long as it has the ability to produce weapons,” Yermak wrote.

Real-time updates from the region suggest that Ukraine is struggling to maintain its defenses against Russia’s advanced drone and missile capabilities, with air raid sirens sounding continuously in major cities like Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Odesa.

The international community remains divided on how to respond. European leaders have expressed disappointment over Trump’s decision not to pursue immediate sanctions, viewing it as a setback to ceasefire efforts. Meanwhile, some analysts suggest that Trump’s criticism of Zelenskyy reflects a broader strategy to pressure both sides into negotiations, though this approach risks alienating Ukraine, a key U.S. ally in the region.