Trump Threatens Russia with New Sanctions Following Latest Attack on Ukraine

What Happened?

President Donald Trump has strongly criticized Russian leader Vladimir Putin after he recently unleashed the largest aerial attack of the war on Ukraine.

Ukrainian officials told reporters that Russia launched 355 drones and nine cruise missiles against Ukraine overnight into Monday.

The Russian attack hit targets in five locations, according to Reuters.

However, the Ukrainian Air Force did not elaborate on the damage that was caused.

'I’ve always had a very good relationship with Vladimir Putin of Russia, but something has happened to him,' Trump said on Truth Social late Sunday. 'He has gone absolutely CRAZY! He is needlessly killing a lot of people, and I’m not just talking about soldiers.'

Trump stated that the missiles and drones shot into Ukrainian cities were done so 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,' Trump added. 'If he does, it will lead to the downfall of Russia!'

Trump is now reportedly weighing new sanctions on Moscow despite also criticizing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

'President Zelenskyy is doing his country no favors by talking the way he does. Everything out of his mouth causes problems, I don’t like it, and it better stop,' he said. 'I am only helping to put out the big and ugly fires, that have been started through gross incompetence and hatred.'

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov on Monday suggested Trump might be 'emotionally overloaded' in response to his remarks about Putin going 'crazy.'

'This is a very crucial moment, which is associated, of course, with the emotional overload of everyone absolutely and with emotional reactions,' Peskov stated.

He added that the attacks were 'retaliatory strikes' in response to Ukraine targeting civilian infrastructure last week with drones for several days in central Russia.

According to reports, Russia said it repelled 96 drones overnight Monday with some targeting Moscow, and causing flight disruptions at major airports.

Why it Matters

This escalation comes immediately after 1,000 people were released over the weekend from each country as part of a major prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine.

It marked an important step of confidence-building measures both parties agreed on during recent peace talks in Istanbul, Turkey.

But so far, Russia has shown no progress in advancing the U.S.-led effort to produce a ceasefire.

Trump had been urged by world leaders to pressure Russia with further sanctions over the delay following his two-hour call with Putin.

Ceasefire negotiations were suggested by Trump to begin 'immediately' following that call which now raises many questions.

The U.S. would join the U.K. and Europe who announced major sanctions last week against Russia.

Moscow's 'shadow fleet' of oil tankers and financial companies are at the center of those sanctions that have reportedly helped Russia stay afloat during its war with Ukraine.

How it Affects You

Putin has stuck to maximum demands on Kyiv to end Russia's invasion, which is now in its fourth year.

As Trump grows visibly frustrated with Putin, it could mark a shift in future talks that could deliver a ceasefire.

Although Trump has threatened new sanctions in the past, Russian strikes have continued to impact Ukraine as it displays a fresh military offensive.

It leaves the U.S. in a tough position to prevent further stalling from Moscow.

If an unconditional ceasefire does not come soon, the U.S. may impose a 500% tariff on imports from countries that buy Russian oil and petroleum products to help achieve these goals.