Tensions between Russia and the U.S. have taken a new turn as Russian President Vladimir Putin warned on Monday that American tech companies like Microsoft and Zoom could face serious restrictions in Russia.
This comes just days after former U.S. President Donald Trump unleashed a sharp verbal attack on Putin, leaving the political world buzzing.
Putin responded firmly, saying, “They’re trying to choke us, so we should respond in kind,” referring to the U.S. tech firms that technically remain operational in Russia despite officially pulling out due to the ongoing Ukraine conflict.
It’s a clear message that Russia isn’t backing down from a tech crackdown.
Trump’s Unfiltered Frustration with Putin
The Kremlin seemed to suggest that Trump was emotionally overwhelmed after his Sunday outburst, where he admitted confusion about Putin’s recent actions.
Trump told reporters he didn’t understand “what the hell happened to Putin,” and later on Truth Social, he accused the Russian leader of having “gone absolutely CRAZY!”
Trump has long believed Putin wants full control of Ukraine, not just parts of it.
“If he does, it will lead to the downfall of Russia!” Trump warned.
But despite his tough talk and demands for peace, Russia has kept up a relentless missile and drone campaign against Ukraine.
Ongoing Conflict Casts Doubt on Peace Talks
Just a week ago, Trump and Putin had a lengthy two-hour phone call that the U.S. president described as having an “excellent” tone and spirit.
Yet, no ceasefire agreement has been reached, and Russia continues its heavy attacks — even targeting civilians.
Ukrainian officials estimated that nearly 900 drones were launched over three nights in recent attacks.
French President Emmanuel Macron didn’t hold back either, calling out Putin’s actions as lies to both Europeans and Americans.
Calls for Stronger Sanctions Grow Louder
Meanwhile, some U.S. politicians want Trump to take a tougher stance.
Republican Senator Chuck Grassley publicly urged Trump to impose additional sanctions on Russia, saying he’s “had enough” of Putin’s violence against innocent people.
Trump, for his part, said at the weekend he was “absolutely” open to new sanctions and voiced his displeasure with Putin’s ongoing attacks on Ukrainian cities.
“I don’t know what’s wrong with him,” Trump said, expressing confusion over Putin’s aggressive moves during their ongoing conversations.
Zelensky’s Plea and Trump’s Sharp Response
During the weekend, while Trump stayed quiet—attending a commencement at West Point and golfing—Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called on him to speak out.
Zelensky warned that silence from America and the world only emboldens Putin and urged new sanctions after each Russian attack.
Trump didn’t take that softly. He fired back on Truth Social, criticizing Zelensky for his outspoken style.
“Everything out of his mouth causes problems,” Trump said bluntly, insisting the Ukrainian leader’s comments “better stop.”
Campaign Promises Meet Harsh Realities
Back on the campaign trail, Trump often boasted that he could end the Ukraine war within 24 hours of taking office, thanks to his supposed negotiation skills.
But in reality, progress has been slow and frustrating.
A planned meeting in Turkey to discuss peace didn’t happen after Putin refused to attend—allegedly because Trump himself was traveling in the Middle East.
The two leaders did talk again by phone shortly afterward.
Trump’s Take on the Origins of the War
Trump remains adamant that the war isn’t his fault.
On Sunday night, he blamed his predecessor and current leaders in Kyiv and Washington for the conflict.
“This is Zelensky’s, Putin’s, and Biden’s war, not ‘Trump’s,’” he insisted, adding that he’s only trying to “put out the big and ugly fires started by gross incompetence and hatred.”
What’s Next on the Ukraine Front?
With Russia ramping up attacks and diplomatic efforts stalling, the path to peace looks uncertain.
Putin threatens harsher measures against American companies, Trump juggles criticism and calls for stronger sanctions, and Ukraine faces relentless assaults.
The question now is: what will happen next in this high-stakes standoff?
