Donald Trump expresses frustration over Putin’s stance

U.S. President Donald Trump voiced strong displeasure over a recent phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, accusing him of prolonging bloodshed in Ukraine. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Friday, Trump said, “I was very unhappy with my call with President Putin. He wants to go all the way, just keep killing people – it’s no good.”

The remarks come in the wake of Russia’s most extensive missile and drone assault on Ukraine since the invasion began in 2022. According to reports, waves of aerial attacks struck Kyiv overnight, killing one civilian and injuring at least 26 others, including a child. The Associated Press noted this as the largest assault on the capital in the three-year-long war.

During the call with Putin, Trump said the two leaders discussed sanctions “a lot,” signaling potential punitive actions. “He understands that they may be coming,” Trump stated, raising speculation about new measures against Moscow.

Trump also confirmed a separate conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, during which he acknowledged Kyiv’s urgent need for U.S.-made Patriot missile systems. “They’re going to need them for defense,” he said, referencing Ukraine’s repeated requests to Washington for the advanced air-defense technology to counter Russia’s escalating aerial attacks.

Ukrainian President Zelenskyy later posted on Telegram, noting that the missile barrage began even as he was on the call with Trump. “Yet again, Russia is showing it has no intention of ending the war and terror,” he wrote, calling on allies to respond decisively.

Meanwhile, President Putin reportedly reiterated to Trump in the hour-long call that “Russia will not give up on its aims in Ukraine,” according to Russian state media, making clear that the Kremlin remains committed to its military objectives despite mounting international criticism.