WASHINGTON — (BrooklandNews.com) — May 27, 2025 — President Donald Trump, who once frequently praised Russian President Vladimir Putin as a “friend” and a strong leader, is now publicly criticizing him following Russia’s largest aerial assault on Ukraine since the war began.
In a Truth Social post after the May 25 missile and drone strikes that resulted in the deaths of at least 12 people in Ukraine, Trump expressed his concern, stating, “I’ve always had a very good relationship with Vladimir Putin of Russia, but something has changed in him. He has completely lost his mind.”
This shift in tone occurred just days after Trump had a phone call with Putin in an attempt to broker peace. Despite tentative agreements, including a proposed ceasefire on attacks targeting energy infrastructure, Russian strikes have persisted, and the Kremlin’s demands remain unacceptable to Ukraine.
Trump emphasized the senselessness of the loss of life, stating, “He is needlessly killing many people, and I’m not just referring to soldiers. Missiles and drones are being launched into cities in Ukraine for no apparent reason.”
This represents a significant reversal from Trump’s stance during his first term and before his return to office. In 2016, after Putin declined to retaliate against U.S. sanctions, Trump praised Putin’s decision, calling it a “great move” and acknowledging Putin’s intelligence.
In 2022, during Russia’s initial actions in Ukraine, Trump described Putin’s recognition of separatist-held regions as “genius,” remarking, “Putin declares a significant portion of Ukraine as independent. That’s wonderful.”
Trump’s admiration for Putin predates his presidency. In a 2007 appearance on CNN, he praised Putin for rebuilding Russia’s image.
The Kremlin responded by attributing Trump’s comments to “emotional overload.” Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov acknowledged the tense situation surrounding ongoing peace talks and expressed gratitude for the U.S. president’s engagement.
Now, as president once again, Trump faces a leader he once praised, who now calls him irrational and dangerous as the war continues.