President Donald Trump issued a sharp warning to Vladimir Putin, claiming the Russian leader is “playing with fire.” In a fiery social media post, Trump suggested that without his influence, “really bad things” would have happened to Russia. The statement came as tensions between Russia and Ukraine continue to escalate.
Trump’s remarks drew a swift response from Dmitry Medvedev, Russia’s former president. Medvedev warned that the only “really bad thing” would be World War III. He added that he hoped Trump understood the gravity of the situation. The exchange highlights growing frustrations over stalled peace negotiations.
The president has repeatedly tried to broker a deal between Russia and Ukraine. However, his efforts have so far failed to stop the conflict. In another post, Trump accused Putin of losing control, saying he has “gone absolutely crazy.” He criticized Russia’s relentless attacks on Ukrainian cities, calling them unnecessary and brutal.
At the same time, Trump did not spare Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy from criticism. He claimed that Zelenskyy’s statements often worsen tensions. Trump insisted that the Ukrainian leader’s rhetoric must change to avoid further escalation. Despite his tough talk, Trump has yet to present a viable path to peace.
Meanwhile, Zelenskyy reported another night of heavy Russian drone and missile strikes. He emphasized that only stronger military support from Western allies can deter further aggression. The Ukrainian leader stressed that real peace requires decisive action, not just negotiations.
As the war drags on, Trump’s warnings add to the growing sense of urgency. His blunt assessment of Putin’s actions has sparked debate among foreign policy experts. Some agree with his characterization, while others caution against inflammatory language. Regardless, the situation remains volatile, with no clear resolution in sight.
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