Former U.S. President Donald Trump has once again made headlines with his blunt assessment of Russian President Vladimir Putin, declaring that the longtime Russian leader “has gone absolutely crazy!” Trump’s remarks come amid escalating tensions between Russia and the West, particularly over the ongoing war in Ukraine.
The statement, made during a recent interview, underscores Trump’s shifting tone toward Putin, whom he previously praised as a “strong” and “smart” leader. This latest criticism marks a notable departure from Trump’s usual reluctance to condemn Putin directly.
Trump’s Changing Stance on Putin
Throughout his presidency (2017–2021), Trump was often accused of being too friendly with Putin, despite U.S. intelligence findings that Russia interfered in the 2016 election to help Trump win. He repeatedly dismissed allegations of Russian collusion, calling them a “hoax,” and even sided with Putin over his own intelligence agencies during a 2018 summit in Helsinki.
However, since leaving office, Trump’s rhetoric has evolved. While he still maintains that he had a strong relationship with Putin, he has increasingly criticized the Russian leader’s actions, particularly the invasion of Ukraine.
In his latest comments, Trump suggested that Putin’s decision to invade Ukraine was irrational, saying:
“I knew Putin very well. We got along great. But what he’s doing now is insane. He’s gone absolutely crazy. This war should never have happened.”
Why Trump Thinks Putin Has ‘Gone Crazy’
Trump did not elaborate extensively on why he believes Putin has lost his grip, but several factors may explain his harsh assessment:
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The Ukraine War’s Prolonged Stalemate
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Putin expected a quick victory, but Ukraine’s fierce resistance, backed by Western military aid, has turned the conflict into a grueling war of attrition.
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Russia has suffered heavy losses, with estimates suggesting over 300,000 casualties.
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Economic and Diplomatic Isolation
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Western sanctions have severely impacted Russia’s economy, cutting off access to global markets and technology.
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Putin’s once-strong relationships with European leaders have deteriorated, leaving Russia increasingly isolated.
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Escalating Authoritarianism at Home
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Putin has cracked down on dissent, imprisoning critics like Alexei Navalny and suppressing free speech.
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The Wagner Group mutiny in June 2023 exposed fractures in Putin’s control over Russia’s military and security apparatus.
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Nuclear Threats and Unpredictable Behavior
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Putin has repeatedly hinted at using nuclear weapons, raising global fears of escalation.
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His rhetoric has become more aggressive, portraying the war as an existential battle against the West.
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Trump’s Alternative Approach: ‘I Would Have Prevented the War’
Trump has repeatedly claimed that the Ukraine war would never have happened under his leadership. He argues that his strong relationship with Putin would have deterred an invasion, stating:
“If I were president, Putin would not have invaded Ukraine. He respected me. He knew I wouldn’t tolerate it.”
Critics, however, question this assertion, pointing out that Trump’s previous admiration for Putin may have emboldened the Russian leader. Additionally, Trump’s “America First” policy often involved skepticism toward NATO, which some believe could have weakened Ukraine’s defenses.
Global Reactions to Trump’s Comments
Trump’s remarks have drawn mixed reactions:
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Supporters argue that his tough talk reflects a necessary shift in U.S. foreign policy, urging stronger action against Russia.
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Critics accuse Trump of hypocrisy, noting his past reluctance to condemn Putin’s aggression.
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Ukrainian officials have been cautious, with some expressing gratitude for U.S. support under Biden while acknowledging Trump’s influence.
What This Means for U.S.-Russia Relations
As Trump campaigns for a potential second term in 2024, his stance on Russia will be closely scrutinized. If re-elected, he could push for a negotiated settlement in Ukraine—possibly involving territorial concessions—which would be controversial.
Meanwhile, Putin shows no signs of backing down. With Russia’s 2024 election (a tightly controlled process ensuring his victory), Putin is likely to remain in power, continuing his hardline policies.
Conclusion: A Stark Warning from Trump
Donald Trump’s declaration that Putin has “gone absolutely crazy” highlights the growing instability in Russian leadership. Whether this marks a genuine shift in Trump’s views or political posturing remains unclear.
One thing is certain: as the Ukraine war drags on and global tensions rise, the world will be watching how both leaders—Trump and Putin—navigate this dangerous geopolitical landscape.
Would a Trump return to the White House ease or escalate tensions with Russia? The answer may shape the future of international security for years to come.
