WASHINGTON, May 27 (Alliance News): US President Donald Trump has sparked global confusion over his stance on Russian President Vladimir Putin, as the war in Ukraine enters its third year with no end in sight.
After long expressing admiration for the Russian leader, Trump’s recent criticism of Putin marks a rare shift — but world leaders remain unsure whether it will translate into concrete policy action.
Trump, who returned to office in January pledging to end the Ukraine conflict “within 24 hours,” has often taken a soft line on Putin. In contrast, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has faced Trump’s repeated rebukes, including a tense Oval Office exchange in March that drew global attention.
However, in a dramatic reversal, Trump on Sunday accused Putin of harboring ambitions to take “ALL of Ukraine,” warning that such actions “will lead to the downfall of Russia.” In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote, “Something has happened to him. He has gone absolutely CRAZY!”
Despite Trump’s tough talk, the Kremlin appeared unmoved. Russian spokesman Dmitry Peskov dismissed the remarks as emotionally driven, while Moscow responded with its heaviest drone barrage since the war began, launching 355 drones overnight. The attack followed deadly airstrikes that killed 13 people in Ukraine.
European leaders welcomed Trump’s sharper tone but cautioned that rhetoric must be backed by decisive action. French President Emmanuel Macron, speaking during a visit to Vietnam, said, “President Trump realizes Putin lied about wanting peace.
I hope this impatience now turns into action.” Macron called for “much more massive sanctions” to pressure Russia, saying, “The credibility of the United States is at stake.”
Despite the shift, Trump hasn’t softened his stance on Zelensky. On Sunday, he slammed the Ukrainian leader for urging global support, saying Zelensky’s words “cause problems” and “better stop.”
Trump’s broader foreign policy record remains contested. While he often touted his unique approach and personal diplomacy — such as unprecedented meetings with North Korea’s Kim Jong Un — tangible results have been limited. Similarly, his pledges on Iran and Gaza have yet to yield lasting solutions.
As Ukraine and Russia resume direct talks and prisoner exchanges, global leaders are watching Trump closely, hoping his recent remarks mark the start of a firmer US strategy
