Washington: US President Donald Trump stated he is considering new sanctions against Russia after a series of significant aerial attacks on Ukraine, marking some of the most severe since the conflict began in February 2022. His remarks came after a third night of intense Russian airstrikes, which Ukrainian authorities report resulted in at least 12 fatalities, including three children, and numerous injuries.
According to Qatar News Agency, Trump expressed his thoughts on his Truth Social platform, indicating he was "strongly considering large scale" sanctions on Russia in reaction to the recent military escalation. He referred to Russian President Vladimir Putin as having "gone absolutely crazy."
Trump also voiced criticism of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, suggesting that Zelenskyy's rhetoric is counterproductive. He stated that the Ukrainian leader "is doing his Country no favours" and that his statements "cause problems" that need to stop.
Zelenskyy condemned the attacks, characterizing them as a deliberate political choice by the Kremlin. He argued that the airstrikes serve no military purpose but are intended to prolong the conflict and exacerbate human suffering, indicating that Russia is not seeking peace but aims to break Ukrainian resolve and increase the human cost of the war.
In response, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov commented on Trump's remarks, noting that the current phase of the conflict is marked by heightened emotions and internal tensions within Western countries.
This escalation coincides with Russia's announcement of establishing a security buffer zone along its border, amid ongoing exchanges of attacks and rising concerns of a broader conflict. International efforts to negotiate a ceasefire or peace agreement have been unsuccessful, with both parties showing little inclination to compromise.