Trump 'realizes' Putin lied about peace, massive Russian assault proves it, Macron says

 

Macron: Trump Realizes Putin Misled Him on Peace in Ukraine

French President Emmanuel Macron said on May 26 that former U.S. President Donald Trump now understands he was deceived by Russian President Vladimir Putin, who falsely claimed to be open to peace in Ukraine. Speaking in Hanoi during an official visit, Macron told French broadcaster BFM, “I think President Trump realizes that when President Putin said he was ready for peace, he lied. What’s happening in Ukraine is unacceptable. You cannot claim to want dialogue and then bomb civilians.”

From May 24 to May 26, Russia unleashed a massive aerial assault across Ukraine, launching over 600 drones and dozens of missiles. Ukraine’s Air Force reported that on the night of May 26 alone, Russia deployed nine Kh-101 cruise missiles and a record 355 Shahed-type drones and decoys, many of which targeted civilian infrastructure.

Trump, who has advocated for a ceasefire and recently spoke with Putin for two hours on May 19, reacted to the latest escalation by sharply criticizing the Russian president. “I’m not happy with Putin,” he said on May 25, later posting on Truth Social that Putin has gone “absolutely” crazy. Trump added, “I’ve always said he wants all of Ukraine, not just a part. That might be turning out to be true. But if he goes that far, it will be Russia’s downfall.”

Despite condemning Putin, Trump also took aim at Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, with whom he has long had a tense relationship. Following Ukraine’s plea for tougher U.S. sanctions, Zelensky criticized the lack of an American response to the intensified Russian offensive, warning that “America’s silence... only encourages Putin.” Trump, in response, said on Truth Social, “Zelensky’s rhetoric isn’t helping his country. Everything he says just makes things worse. I don’t like it, and it needs to stop.”

President Macron denounced Moscow’s continued attacks as proof that Russia is not negotiating in good faith. “This doublespeak reveals the insincerity of any so-called peace talks,” he said.

The U.S. approach to the crisis has frustrated some European allies. Many had hoped Washington would join the EU in pushing a joint ultimatum demanding an unconditional ceasefire by May 12, along with tougher sanctions.

In the U.S., Republican lawmakers have called for stronger action against Russia. U.S. Special Envoy for Ukraine Keith Kellogg told Fox Business that the "Russian Sanctions Act of 2025" is prepared for introduction. The proposed legislation includes sweeping penalties and 500% tariffs on any nation continuing to import Russian oil, gas, or uranium.

Responding to Russia’s May 25 overnight strikes, Kellogg posted on X, condemning the attacks as violations of international law: “The indiscriminate killing of women and children in their homes at night clearly breaches the 1977 Geneva Peace Protocols. These actions are shameful.”

Despite bipartisan pressure and Moscow’s rejection of ceasefire efforts, the Biden administration has yet to impose new sanctions in response to the latest Russian assault.