President Donald Trump warned Russian President Vladimir Putin that he is "playing with fire" as Moscow intensifies its military campaign across Ukraine, underscoring a sharp shift in Trump's tone amid stalled ceasefire talks and escalating violence. In a Truth Social post Tuesday, Trump declared: "What Vladimir Putin doesn't realize is that if it weren't for me, lots of really bad things would have already happened to Russia, and I mean REALLY BAD. He's playing with fire!"
The warning comes after a deadly weekend of drone and missile attacks by Russian forces that struck more than 30 Ukrainian cities, killing at least 12 people. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described it as the largest drone assault since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion, with "355 attack UAVs, mostly 'Shaheds,'" along with "9 cruise missiles." In a social media post, Zelenskyy wrote, "Like any criminal, Russia can only be constrained by force... only through strength... can these attacks be stopped and real peace achieved."
Trump's rhetoric marks a notable break from his previously conciliatory posture toward Putin. On Sunday, he lashed out at the Russian leader, writing: "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 also criticized Ukrainian President Zelenskyy during the same post: "Everything out of his mouth causes problems, I don't like it, and it better stop."
The remarks followed Trump's announcement of a major diplomatic breakthrough - a 1,000-prisoner swap between Russia and Ukraine - which was the result of U.S.-brokered talks. "Congratulations to both sides on this negotiation. This could lead to something big???" Trump posted on Truth Social.
Despite the successful exchange, the talks failed to yield the ceasefire Ukraine had sought. Within hours of the prisoner swap's completion, Russian forces resumed widespread missile and drone strikes, further dimming hopes for a breakthrough in peace negotiations.
The Kremlin dismissed Trump's criticism, referring to it as an "emotional overload." Putin has yet to fulfill a reported promise to issue a formal "peace memo" outlining Russia's conditions for a ceasefire or broader resolution, despite international pressure and direct appeals from European leaders following his recent call with Trump.
