In a sharp rebuke from across the Atlantic, U.S. President Donald Trump on Saturday condemned Russian President Vladimir Putin for a series of deadly missile strikes on civilian areas in Ukraine, warning that the Russian leader “has to be dealt with differently” if the bloodshed does not cease.
Speaking through a post on Truth Social following his meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Rome, Trump voiced dismay over the escalating violence. He lamented the missile attacks that rained down on cities and towns in recent days, questioning Putin’s willingness to genuinely pursue peace.
“There was no reason for Putin to be shooting missiles into civilian areas, cities and towns, over the last few days,” Trump wrote, his frustration laid bare. “It makes me think that maybe he doesn’t want to stop the war; he’s just tapping me along, and has to be dealt with differently, through ‘Banking’ or ‘Secondary Sanctions?’ Too many people are dying!!!”
The former real estate magnate, once known for lauding Putin’s “strength,” now hinted at the possibility of ratcheting up economic pressure, suggesting new banking restrictions or secondary sanctions could be tools to force Moscow’s hand.
Meanwhile, in Moscow, the Kremlin struck a markedly different tone. Russian officials, after hosting U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff on Friday, declared that Putin remains open to talks with Ukraine, proclaiming a willingness to negotiate “without preconditions.”
Yet the contrast between Moscow’s declarations and the devastation witnessed on Ukrainian streets left little doubt about the deepening mistrust. As artillery shells and diplomatic words continue to clash, the specter of a drawn-out conflict haunts both battlefields and boardrooms alike.
