In a striking and unexpected rebuke, former U.S. President Donald J. Trump condemned Russian President Vladimir Putin following what Ukrainian officials are calling the largest aerial assault since the war began. In remarks made during a campaign rally in Des Moines, Iowa, Trump referred to the Russian leader as "absolutely crazy" in response to the overnight barrage of missiles and drones targeting multiple Ukrainian cities.
“This kind of savagery is beyond anything we’ve seen,” Trump said to a packed audience. “Putin is absolutely crazy if he thinks this will end well for him or for Russia. We would have never let it get this far if I were in charge.”
The record-setting attack, which reportedly involved over 120 missiles and drones, caused significant damage to infrastructure and civilian areas in Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Odesa. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called it a “dark night in our history,” urging international partners to strengthen defense support.
Trump, who has previously faced criticism for his perceived leniency toward Putin during his presidency, appeared to draw a firm line, calling for “stronger leadership from NATO” and suggesting that under his leadership, “Russia wouldn’t dare.”
The president also used the moment to criticize the Biden administration’s approach to the conflict, claiming, “Weakness invites aggression. What you’re seeing is the direct result of failed leadership in Washington.”