What began as a hopeful conversation about peace between former U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin has quickly taken a dark turn.
Trump, once optimistic about Putin’s willingness to talk, is now furious over what he sees as a betrayal—sparking reactions from global leaders, especially French President Emmanuel Macron.
Macron Calls Out Putin—and Urges Trump to Take Action
While speaking in Hanoi, Vietnam, French President Emmanuel Macron didn’t hold back.
He took aim at Vladimir Putin for misleading Trump, pointing out that the Russian leader gave the impression he was open to peace—even after multiple meetings with Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff.
“President Trump now understands that when Putin claimed to be ready for peace—whether over the phone or through his envoys—he wasn’t being truthful,” Macron stated.
Macron went a step further, urging Trump to act on his frustration.
“He’s clearly angry, and I understand that. But now, I hope that frustration turns into real action.”
Russia Ramps Up Assaults Despite Peace Talks
While the world was still digesting news of possible peace, Russia unleashed a wave of fresh attacks on Ukraine.
Over just three days, hundreds of drones and several missiles targeted Ukrainian cities.
On Monday alone, Russia reportedly sent over 355 drones and launched nine missiles, escalating the already intense conflict.
Macron condemned the offensive strongly: “You can’t say you want to talk peace and then bomb civilians. This is unacceptable and incredibly dangerous.”
Moscow’s Response: It’s Retaliation
According to the Kremlin, these attacks were not unprovoked.
A spokesperson claimed that Ukraine had been hitting Russian civilian and social infrastructure, prompting a response.
“This was a retaliatory strike targeting military infrastructure,” the Kremlin said.
Trump Lashes Out at Putin: “He’s Gone Crazy!”
Upon returning to Washington, D.C., Trump didn’t hold back his feelings.
Speaking to reporters and in a social media post, he expressed disbelief at Putin’s actions.
“I’ve always had a good relationship with Vladimir Putin, but something has changed—he’s gone absolutely CRAZY,” Trump wrote.
He accused the Russian leader of “needlessly killing a lot of people” and warned that the war could lead to the “downfall of Russia.”
Trump had spoken to Putin just the previous week, hoping to advance a peace plan.
At the time, it seemed like progress. But after the bombardments, Trump felt deceived and frustrated.
Kremlin: Trump’s Just Emotional
Responding to Trump’s sharp words, Kremlin spokesman Dmitri Peskov chalked it up to emotional overload.
“This is a tense moment, full of emotional reactions for everyone involved,” Peskov told reporters on Monday.
What Happens Next?
The world is now watching closely.
Will Trump’s outrage lead to firmer action?
Will Macron’s warnings shake global leaders into a stronger response?
And most importantly, will Putin face consequences for seemingly saying one thing—and doing the opposite?
Only time will tell. But one thing is clear: the road to peace just got a lot bumpier.