The Kremlin has hit back at U.S. President Donald Trump, accusing him of experiencing an “emotional overload” after he called Russian President Vladimir Putin “absolutely crazy” in response to a wave of brutal missile attacks on Ukraine.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov responded to Trump’s remarks with both criticism and a measured acknowledgment. “We are truly grateful to the Americans and to President Trump personally for their assistance in facilitating the negotiation process,” Peskov said. However, he added, “This is a very crucial moment, clearly marked by emotional overload and intense reactions from all sides.”
Trump’s comments came shortly after one of the most extensive Russian aerial assaults since the war began. The Ukrainian Air Force reported that Russia launched a record-breaking 355 drones along with nine cruise missiles in a large-scale overnight attack. Civilian areas across Ukraine were struck, prompting NATO to scramble fighter jets from Poland for the second consecutive night.
Despite the deadly barrage, Peskov made no direct reference to the attacks. Instead, he reiterated Moscow’s oft-repeated but widely criticized claim that it is working toward peace. “Work is continuing on a serious draft document that requires thorough review and preparation,” Peskov said, referring to a proposed peace agreement.
The latest diplomatic developments follow a phone call last week between Trump and Putin, during which the Russian president reportedly indicated that Moscow and Kyiv would work on a memorandum aimed at reaching a peace accord. However, Kyiv and Western allies have accused Russia of stalling and lacking any real commitment to ending the conflict.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated on Friday that Moscow would be ready to present Ukraine with a draft long-term peace agreement once a previously agreed prisoner exchange was completed. That exchange — involving 1,000 detainees from both sides — was confirmed by Russia’s Ministry of Defense to have taken place on Sunday.
Peskov emphasized that the prisoner swap marked the first step in advancing the peace process based on terms discussed during earlier talks in Istanbul.
In his Truth Social post, Trump criticized Putin sharply for the escalating violence. “Missiles and drones are being shot into cities in Ukraine for no reason whatsoever,” he wrote. “I’ve always said he wants all of Ukraine, not just a part — and maybe that’s proving to be right. But if he tries, it will lead to the downfall of Russia.”
Trump also warned that tougher sanctions could follow if Russia continued its aggression.