Washington, May 26:
US President Donald Trump on Monday criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, saying that the Russia-Ukraine war would never have started if he was president.
His comments came after Russia’s recent large airstrike on Ukraine, which caused many civilian deaths, including children.
On his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump called Putin “crazy,” though he said they once had a good relationship.
“I always had a good relationship with Vladimir Putin, but something changed. He has gone absolutely crazy! He is killing many people unnecessarily, not just soldiers. Missiles and drones are hitting cities in Ukraine for no reason,” Trump wrote.
He also said, “I’ve always believed Putin wants all of Ukraine, not just part of it. If he gets it, it could lead to Russia’s downfall.”
Trump criticized Zelensky as well, responding to Zelensky’s comment that “America’s silence” encourages Putin.
He said, “President Zelensky’s words are causing problems for his country. I don’t like it, and it should stop. This war would never have started if I were president.”
Trump stayed silent on the Russia airstrike until Sunday evening when he spoke to reporters.
“He’s killing many people. I don’t know what’s wrong with him. What happened to him? I’m not happy about it,” Trump said about Putin.
Trump tried to avoid blame, saying the war is the responsibility of Zelensky, Putin, and former US President Joe Biden.
“This is Zelensky’s, Putin’s, and Biden’s war, not mine. I’m just helping to fix the problems caused by bad leadership and hatred,” he said.
The Russian attacks came just after the largest prisoner exchange since the invasion began, with about 1,000 prisoners freed on each side.
Ukrainian officials said that among those killed in the recent attacks were two children aged 8 and 12, and a 17-year-old, in the Zhytomyr region.
Trump also said he is thinking about stricter sanctions on Russia because of the recent violence.
However, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Trump believes threatening sanctions now might stop Russia from talking.
