Donald Trump has sharply criticised Russian President Vladimir Putin for the ongoing bombing of civilian areas in Ukraine, calling the attacks “a disgrace” and expressing disappointment that Moscow has shown little interest in peace negotiations.
Speaking during a campaign event in Ohio on Sunday, the former US president broke from his usual tone of restraint toward Putin and condemned the recent escalation in Russian airstrikes, which have reportedly targeted residential buildings, power stations, and public infrastructure across multiple Ukrainian cities.
“I’m very disappointed in Vladimir,” Trump said. “This is not how you get to peace. You don’t drop bombs on apartment buildings if you want to end a war. You talk, you negotiate. What’s happening right now is a disgrace to humanity.”
The remarks come amid a renewed Russian offensive in the Kharkiv region and fresh missile attacks across central Ukraine, which have drawn condemnation from Western governments and international humanitarian agencies. Ukrainian officials say dozens of civilians have been killed or wounded in the past week, including children.
Trump, who has frequently claimed he could end the war “in 24 hours” if re-elected, said Putin is “making it harder” to reach a settlement. “I’ve said before, I have a good relationship with Putin. But this? This is going too far. There has to be a line,” he told supporters.
The statement marks one of the most direct criticisms of Putin Trump has made since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022. Throughout his 2024 campaign, Trump has often avoided harsh words for the Russian leader, instead criticising President Biden’s handling of the war and expressing scepticism about continued US aid to Ukraine.
Reaction from the Kremlin was muted, though Russian state media dismissed Trump’s comments as “electoral posturing.” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s office welcomed the remarks, saying they hoped it signalled a “broadening consensus in favour of justice and peace.”
The comments also reflect growing unease among Republican lawmakers and voters about Russia’s military tactics. While many in Trump’s base support a more isolationist approach to foreign policy, polling suggests a strong majority of Americans oppose attacks on civilians and support diplomatic efforts to end the war.
Whether Trump’s tone shift marks a lasting change or a tactical moment in his campaign remains to be seen. But his words carry weight in both Washington and Moscow, and may influence the tenor of debate over Ukraine policy as the US heads toward the November election.
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