Kremlin Dismisses Trump's "Absolutely Crazy" Accusation

 Against Putin as an "Emotional Overload" Amidst Intensified Ukrainian Strikes
In a remarkable shift of rhetoric from a relationship historically characterized by mutual respect and even admiration, President Donald Trump has publicly lambasted Russian President Vladimir Putin, labeling him "absolutely crazy" in the wake of a significant escalation in Russian missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian cities. This pointed criticism from the American leader has elicited a notably measured, yet dismissive, response from the Kremlin, which attributed Trump's strong words to an "emotional overload" in the current volatile geopolitical climate.
The unusual outburst from Trump, who has frequently boasted of his "very good relationship" with the Russian strongman, came after a weekend of intense aerial bombardment across Ukraine. On Sunday, May 25, 2025, Russia launched one of its largest aerial assaults since the full-scale invasion began in 2022, deploying a record number of drones and several cruise missiles. These strikes resulted in multiple casualties and significant damage to civilian infrastructure, reigniting global condemnation and intensifying calls for further support for Ukraine.
Writing on his Truth Social platform, President Trump expressed his evident frustration: "I've always had a very good relationship with Vladimir Putin of Russia, but something has happened to him. He has gone absolutely CRAZY! He is needlessly killing a lot of people, and I'm not just talking about soldiers. Missiles and drones are being shot into Cities in Ukraine, for no reason whatsoever." He further warned that if Putin's ambition was to "conquer ALL of Ukraine," it would "lead to the downfall of Russia!" This statement marked a significant departure from his previously more conciliatory stance towards Putin and the ongoing conflict.
In response to these sharp remarks, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov adopted a carefully calibrated tone, seeking to downplay the significance of Trump's criticism while subtly acknowledging the pressures of the ongoing conflict. When asked about Trump's "absolutely crazy" comment, Peskov stated, "This is a very crucial moment, which is naturally accompanied by emotional overload on all sides and emotional reactions." He further added, "We are really grateful to the Americans and to President Trump personally for their assistance in organizing and launching this negotiation process." This latter point referred to recent attempts by Trump to broker a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, including a reported two-hour phone call with Putin just last week.
The Kremlin's response reflects a strategic effort to avoid antagonizing the US president, particularly given Trump's potential influence on future peace negotiations and his consistent, albeit often contradictory, expressions of a desire to end the conflict. Despite Trump's strong words, Moscow appears determined to maintain a degree of diplomatic flexibility, preferring to frame the critique as an understandable human reaction to stress rather than a fundamental shift in the US-Russia dynamic.
However, the incident underscores a growing impatience from Trump with the protracted nature of the war, a conflict he has repeatedly claimed he could resolve within days of returning to the White House. His recent expressions of frustration also extended to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, whom he criticized for "doing his Country no favors by talking the way he does" and whose words, Trump asserted, "cause problems." This simultaneous criticism of both leaders involved in the conflict highlights Trump's unique and often unpredictable approach to international diplomacy.
While Trump's "absolutely crazy" comment might appear to signal a hardening stance against Putin, some analysts suggest it may also be an attempt to assert a tougher image while still positioning himself as a potential peacemaker. His renewed calls for "further sanctions" and "real pressure" on Moscow, though previously unfulfilled, could be interpreted as a response to the latest brutal attacks, aligning him more closely with the broader international condemnation of Russia's actions.
The dynamic between Trump and Putin has long been a subject of fascination and scrutiny, marked by a blend of personal rapport and geopolitical tension. This latest exchange, however, injects a new element of direct, public rebuke from a figure who has often seemed uniquely immune to criticizing the Russian leader. The Kremlin's seemingly nonchalant dismissal, attributing it to mere "emotion," will undoubtedly be analyzed closely for what it reveals about Russia's current strategy in navigating the complex global landscape shaped by the ongoing war in Ukraine. As the conflict rages on, the words and reactions of key international figures continue to shape the narrative, even when presented as simply an "emotional overload.
Source@BBC