Russia has accused former U.S. President Donald Trump of being overly emotional after he described President Vladimir Putin as “absolutely crazy” due to Russia’s relentless missile attacks on Ukraine.
When asked about Trump’s comments, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov criticized the former U.S. leader but also acknowledged the role Trump played in facilitating discussions for a potential ceasefire. Peskov expressed gratitude for America’s involvement in starting the peace talks.
“This is a tense moment, and emotions are running high for everyone,” Peskov stated, reflecting on the situation’s gravity and the reactions it has provoked globally.
The remarks followed one of the most intense aerial bombardments by Russian forces on Ukraine since the conflict began. Civilian areas were heavily targeted, with NATO deploying warplanes from Poland for a second consecutive night to address the aggression. The Ukrainian Air Force reported a record 355 drones and nine cruise missiles launched during the attack.
Despite the devastating strikes, Peskov reiterated Moscow’s claims of pursuing peace, insisting that officials are working on drafting a peace proposal. However, he noted that the document is still under preparation and has not been submitted.
Last week, Putin told Trump in a phone conversation that Russia and Ukraine would collaborate on a memorandum for peace. This statement prompted accusations from Kyiv and its allies that Moscow is merely stalling and lacks genuine intentions for peace.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated on Friday that a draft peace proposal would be shared with Ukraine after the successful completion of a prisoner exchange agreed upon during talks in Istanbul. The exchange, which involved 1,000 prisoners from both sides, was finalized on Sunday, according to Russia’s defense ministry.
Peskov confirmed that work on a peace agreement would proceed based on understandings reached in Istanbul, with the prisoner exchange marking the first phase.
In response, Trump criticized Putin for causing unnecessary loss of lives and hinted at the possibility of stricter sanctions. On Truth Social, Trump remarked, “Missiles and drones are hitting cities in Ukraine for no reason. I’ve always believed Putin wants all of Ukraine, and if that happens, it could lead to Russia’s downfall.”
