Trump Hints at Sanctions on Russia, Says Putin 'May Just Want to Keep Killing
By : Krishna Mishra
Amid Russia’s largest-ever drone and missile assault on Ukraine, former U.S. President Donald Trump expressed strong displeasure following a call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, stating that Putin "just wants to keep killing people."
According to an AFP report, Trump said on Friday that he was "very unhappy" about the outcome of his conversation with Putin. “He wants to go all the way, just keep killing people. It's no good,” Trump remarked, expressing frustration at Moscow's ongoing military aggression in Ukraine.
Trump revealed that sanctions were a major point of discussion during the call, and hinted that punitive measures against Russia may soon be on the table. “He understands that it may be coming,” Trump said, signaling the possibility of renewed U.S. pressure on Moscow.
The massive Russian bombardment forced Ukrainians across the country to flee into shelters. The escalation followed the call between Trump and Putin, which reportedly ended without any diplomatic progress.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also held a conversation with Trump the same day. In a post shared on social media, Zelensky confirmed that the two leaders discussed ways to strengthen Ukraine’s air defense systems. “We spoke about opportunities in air defence and agreed that we will work together to strengthen protection of our skies,” Zelensky stated.
Despite the attacks, Russia’s official stance continues to favor diplomatic solutions—at least on the surface. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said on Friday that while Moscow would prefer to achieve its objectives through political and diplomatic channels, the so-called “special operation” would continue in the absence of viable alternatives.
In the latest wave of Russian drone and artillery strikes, three people were reportedly injured in Eastern Ukraine, according to regional governor Sergiy Lysak, who shared the update on Telegram.
The situation highlights deepening international tensions, with the U.S. poised to reassess its stance on sanctions and Ukraine calling for urgent support amid unrelenting Russian aggression.