Ukraine War: Trump Criticizes Putin as Russia Launches Major Air Assault
Kyiv – May 26, 2025 – This Sunday, Russia launched its largest aerial attack. The onslaught saw a significant 367-drone and missile barrage targeting ukrainian cities, resulting in fatalities. Simultaneously,a prisoner swap offered a glimmer of hope amidst this violence. This Russia-Ukraine war has brought forth major events, as it continues to unfold.
Ukraine War: Trump Criticizes Putin as Russia Launches Major Air Assault
Overview: A Day of Contrasts
Sunday, May 25, 2025, marked a day of stark contrasts in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.While a major prisoner exchange offered a glimmer of hope,a massive Russian aerial assault brought renewed devastation. Adding to the complexity,former U.S. President Donald Trump publicly criticized Vladimir Putin, a leader with whom he has historically maintained a cordial relationship.
Russia’s Largest Aerial Attack
Russian forces launched the most meaningful aerial attack on Ukraine since the war began in 2022. The overnight barrage included 367 drones and missiles targeting various Ukrainian cities, including the capital, Kyiv. This unprecedented level of strikes resulted in at least 12 fatalities, including three children in the Zhytomyr region, according to local officials.
Did You Know?
The term “barrage” in military terms refers to a concentrated artillery or aerial bombardment over a specific area. The scale of this attack underscores the intensity of the conflict.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy responded to the attacks by calling on the United States to take a stronger stance against Russia. The silence of America, the silence of others in the world only encourages Putin,
Zelenskyy stated on Telegram. He further emphasized the need for increased sanctions, asserting that every such terrorist Russian strike is reason enough for new sanctions against Russia.
Prisoner Swap Offers a Glimmer of Hope
Amidst the renewed violence, Russia and Ukraine completed a significant prisoner exchange. This exchange, conducted in three parts, marked the largest swap between the two countries since the start of the conflict.
- Total Exchanged: Each side exchanged 303 soldiers on Sunday, following exchanges of 307 combatants and civilians each on Saturday, and 390 on Friday.
- Confirmation: President Zelenskyy confirmed the exchange on X,stating,
303 Ukrainian defenders are home.
The prisoner swap occurred just hours after the devastating aerial assault on Kyiv and other regions.
Trump’s Criticism of Putin
Former U.S. President Donald trump voiced strong criticism of Vladimir Putin, a notable shift given their past rapport. Trump’s remarks came via a Truth Social post and brief comments to reporters before boarding air Force One.
Pro Tip: Understanding Geopolitical Shifts
Changes in political rhetoric, especially from influential figures like former presidents, can signal significant shifts in international relations and policy. Analyzing these shifts is crucial for understanding the evolving dynamics of global conflicts.
Speaking to reporters, Trump said he was not happy
with putin and that he’s killing a lot of people.
He added, And I don’t know what the hell happened to Putin. I’ve known him a long time, always gotten along with him, but he’s sending rockets into cities and killing people.
On Truth Social,Trump elaborated,stating:
He is needlessly killing a lot of people,and I’m not just talking about soldiers. Missiles and drones are being shot into Cities in Ukraine, for no reason whatsoever. 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!
Donald Trump, Truth Social
Trump also criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, saying that he is doing his Country no favors by talking the way he does.
He further stated:
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. This is Zelenskyy’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.
Donald Trump, Truth Social
