Russia Says Trump's Attack on Putin Due to 'Emotional Overstrain'

 

The Kremlin dismissed U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent harsh criticism of Russian President Vladimir Putin as a case of “emotional overstrain.”

Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov made the remarks after Trump posted on Truth Social Sunday, calling Putin “absolutely CRAZY” and accusing him of “needlessly killing a lot of people” in the ongoing war in Ukraine.

This marked a sharp change in tone from just a week earlier, when Trump had described a phone call with Putin as having gone “very well.”

“We sincerely appreciate the Americans, and President Trump personally, for their help in initiating this negotiation process,” Peskov told reporters Monday.

“At the same time, this is a critical moment marked by emotional tension and reactions from all involved,” he added.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday urged the U.S. and Europe to impose tougher oil sanctions on Russia, emphasizing, “Russia can only be restrained by force.”

The Kremlin’s response seemed to downplay Trump’s criticism. Although relations between Washington and Moscow worsened sharply after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, ties had somewhat softened since Trump took office in January and advocated for a ceasefire and peace talks.

Trump’s outburst came after Russia launched one of its largest missile and drone attacks on Ukraine over the weekend—a pattern that has persisted since the war began over three years ago.

Trump suggested that “something has happened” to Putin causing him to “needlessly” kill many people, not just soldiers, by striking Ukrainian cities for no reason. He also criticized Zelensky, saying “Everything out of his mouth causes problems.”

When pressed by reporters on Sunday about potential U.S. actions, Trump declined to elaborate.

Peskov noted Monday that Trump’s comments were likely linked to the sensitive nature of ongoing negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, according to Tass news agency.

Trump, who was inaugurated January 20, campaigned on ending the war within 24 hours of returning to power. However, after a recent call between the two leaders, European officials accused Trump of giving Putin a diplomatic victory by suggesting Washington might withdraw from talks. Trump also resisted imposing new sanctions on Russia, reducing pressure on Putin to seriously negotiate.

The phone call failed to meet high expectations and dampened hopes that Trump’s pledge to broker peace would lead to a breakthrough.

Trump’s Statements

On Truth Social Sunday, Trump wrote:

“I’ve always had a good relationship with Vladimir Putin, but something has 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.

I’ve said before he wants all of Ukraine, not just part of it, and if that happens, it will be Russia’s downfall.

At the same time, President Zelensky is harming his own country with his words. Everything he says causes problems. I don’t like it, and it needs to stop.

This war would never have started if I were president. It is Zelensky’s, Putin’s, and Biden’s war, not mine. I’m only trying to help put out the big fires started by incompetence and hatred.”

When asked by reporters, Trump added:

“I’m not happy with what Putin’s doing. He’s killing a lot of people. I don’t know what happened to him; I’ve known him a long time and always got along with him. But now he’s firing rockets into cities like Kyiv, and I don’t like it at all. We’re in talks, yet he continues these attacks.”

Kremlin Response

Peskov told reporters Monday:

“We are grateful to the Americans and President Trump personally for assisting with launching this negotiation process.

Of course, this is a critical time involving emotional strain and strong reactions from everyone involved.”

Zelensky’s Call for Action

On X (formerly Twitter), Zelensky said:

“Only a sense of total impunity allows Russia to carry out such strikes and escalate them. There is no military logic here—only political signaling. Putin shows how much he despises the world, which focuses more on ‘dialogue’ than real pressure.

Like any criminal, Russia can only be stopped by force—the strength of the U.S., Europe, and all life-valuing nations.

The increase in Russian attacks must be met with tougher sanctions. Russia’s rejection of diplomacy and refusal to consider a ceasefire must lead to frozen finances and a halt to its oil trade.”

Trump has said direct talks between Russia and Ukraine will resume, but Peskov warned peace negotiations will likely be long and difficult.