(NewsNation) — The Kremlin has dismissed President Donald Trump’s criticism of Russian President Vladimir Putin, attributing it to “emotional overload” following a series of deadly airstrikes in Ukraine.
“We are really grateful to the Americans and to President Trump personally for their assistance in organizing and launching this negotiation process,” Russian spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said in response to recent remarks from Trump, according to Reuters.
“Of course, at the same time, this is a very crucial moment, which is associated, of course, with the emotional overload of everyone absolutely and with emotional reactions,” Peskov said.
US, Russia discuss another prisoner swap
The U.S. and Russia are continuing discussions regarding another prisoner swap, Peskov told reporters Tuesday, according to Reuters. Trump and Putin discussed exchanging nine people each during their phone call last week.
NewsNation has requested comment from the National Security Council.
Trump’s recent criticism of Putin and his handling of the Ukraine war will not affect the plans for the possible prisoner exchange, Peskov said, according to AFP news agency. The outlet reported that the Kremlin is downplaying the differences.
“It is clear that the Russian and American sides should not and cannot agree on everything. There will always be certain disagreements,” Peskov said, according to AFP. “But there is political will to implement the agreements that have been reached, and the work continues. We highly value this mutual willingness.”
Trump says Putin has gone ‘crazy’
Trump lashed out at Putin over the weekend, claiming the Russian leader has gone “absolutely crazy.”
“I’ve always had a very good relationship with Vladimir Putin of Russia, but something has happened to him. He has gone absolutely CRAZY!” Trump wrote Sunday night on social media.
Trump said Putin is “needlessly killing a lot of people,” pointing out that “missiles and drones are being shot into Cities in Ukraine, for no reason whatsoever.”
Speaking to reporters as he left New Jersey on Sunday, Trump said, “I’m not happy with what Putin’s doing. He’s killing a lot of people. And I don’t know what the hell happened to Putin. I’ve known him a long time, always gotten along with him, but he’s sending rockets into cities and killing people, and I don’t like it at all.”
Russia launches largest drone attack since start of war
Hours after Trump’s comments, Russia carried out what Ukrainian officials described as the largest drone attack of the war to date, launching over 350 drones across multiple major cities, including Kyiv and Kharkiv. While the figures remain unverified, the impact has been widely reported.
The attack was the largest aerial assault since Russia’s full-scale invasion of the country in February 2022, according to Ukrainian officials. At least 12 people were killed, and dozens were injured.
On Tuesday, Ukrainian officials said Russian forces had taken over four border villages in Ukraine’s northeastern Sumy region. The gains came days after Putin said he had issued an order to establish a buffer zone along the border.
A Russian bombing campaign that had escalated in recent days slowed overnight as far fewer Russian drones targeted Ukrainian towns and cities.
The conflict has shown no signs of stopping despite intense U.S.-led efforts in recent months to secure a ceasefire and get traction for peace talks.
Trump weighs sanctions against Russia: Report
Trump is contemplating new sanctions against Russia in an effort to pressure the Kremlin into negotiating an end to the war and accepting concessions, according to the Wall Street Journal.
The White House has not confirmed the report, but press secretary Karoli06896661ne Leavitt told NewsNation, “This war is Joe Biden’s fault, and President Trump has been clear he wants to see a negotiated peace deal. President Trump has also smartly kept all options on the table.”
Trump unhappy with Zelenskyy’s rhetoric
Trump’s frustration is not limited to Moscow.
Trump has also said he’s unhappy with the rhetoric from Kyiv and Ukrainian President Zelenskyy and that he believes both sides are not doing enough to move toward a peaceful solution.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
