Following the recent massive Russian attacks on Ukraine, US President Donald Trump has sharply criticized Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin. In a post on Truth Social, Trump accused Putin of "playing with fire" and explained that Russia would have already experienced "really bad things" without his intervention. These statements mark a clear toughening of Trump's tone towards Moscow after he had previously attempted to mediate between Russia and Ukraine.
Escalation after major Russian attack
Trump's warning came in the context of one of the heaviest Russian airstrikes since the start of the war. According to Ukrainian sources, over 900 drones and missiles were fired at various regions of the country. At least 13 people were killed, including children. Trump described Putin's behaviour as "absolutely crazy", distancing himself from earlier statements in which he had emphasized a personal relationship with the Russian president.
Despite his efforts to mediate between the parties to the conflict, Trump expressed increasing frustration at the unwillingness of both sides to compromise. He criticized both Putin for the ongoing attacks and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyi for his rhetoric, which he believes is further fueling tensions.
Moscow reacted with threats to German arms deliveries
Parallel to Trump's statements, the tone between Russia and Germany became more heated. Russian Foreign Office spokeswoman Maria Zakharova warned that if Taurus cruise missiles were delivered to Ukraine, they would "burn like matches", similar to the Leopard tanks. She added that this would drag Germany "further into the abyss" in which the Berlin-backed Kiev regime finds itself.
These threats followed the announcement by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz that all restrictions on arms deliveries to Ukraine would be lifted. Observers see this as a possible precursor to the delivery of Taurus cruise missiles, which would represent a clear departure from Germany's previous restraint.
USA expects Russian response to Ukrainian peace memorandum
Amid the escalating tensions, US special envoy Keith Kellogg reported that the US had received a memorandum from Ukraine with conditions for an end to the war and was now waiting for a corresponding document from Russia. The aim is to combine both proposals into a joint draft in order to prepare for a further round of negotiations, possibly in Geneva.
The Russian government confirmed that it was working on such a memorandum, which would contain principles and possible dates for a peace agreement. However, Moscow emphasized that the process is complex and takes time.
The latest developments show an increasing escalation of international tensions in the Ukraine conflict. US President Trump is warning Putin against further escalation, while Russia is reacting with harsh words to German arms deliveries. At the same time, diplomatic efforts are underway to initiate a peace process. The USA is waiting for a response from Russia to the Ukrainian memorandum.
