U.S. President Donald Trump issued a stern warning to Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday, stating that the Kremlin leader is “playing with fire” as Russia continues its assault on Ukraine.
In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump said Putin “does not understand that if it weren’t for me, really bad things would have already happened to Russia.”
“He is playing with fire,” Trump emphasized.
Ongoing Criticism and Escalation
Trump’s warning follows his earlier remarks on Sunday, when he labeled Putin as “completely crazy” in response to three consecutive nights of Russian airstrikes on Ukrainian territory.
Despite the harsh tone, Trump also expressed a degree of confusion over Putin’s recent behavior:
“I’ve always had a very good relationship with Vladimir Putin of Russia, but something has happened to him,” Trump said.
The Kremlin spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov, dismissed Trump’s comments as an “emotional overload,” downplaying their seriousness and continuing Russia’s official line of defiance.
Escalation in Ukraine
The remarks come at a time of intensifying conflict, with Moscow launching sustained aerial assaults that have drawn international condemnation. The West continues to urge restraint and reaffirm its support for Ukraine amid concerns over broader regional destabilization.
