Trump Criticizes Putin: Russia Bombing Ukraine ‘Like Thugs’

In a sharp critique, U.S. President Donald Trump has condemned Russian military actions in Ukraine, accusing them of relentless bombings. Speaking publicly on Monday (07.04.25), Trump expressed his dissatisfaction with the bombings, stating that the Russians are “bombing like thugs,” indirectly but clearly pointing fingers at Vladimir Putin. This comes as the American government continues to negotiate ceasefires between the opposing sides. “I am not satisfied with what is happening with the bombings because they are bombing like thugs right now,” Trump said about the war in Ukraine while addressing the press at the White House. Despite meetings with both Russia and Ukraine showing some progress, Trump remains dissatisfied with last week’s bombings. During his election campaign, Trump had promised to resolve the conflict in Ukraine within 24 hours, leading to a dramatic rapprochement with Moscow after returning to the White House on January 20th. However, efforts for a ceasefire have not succeeded. Under U.S. pressure, Kiev agreed in mid-March to halt hostilities unconditionally for 30 days. Russia rejected this idea but accepted a limited ceasefire in the Black Sea and ceased attacks on energy infrastructure. The implementation of this agreement appears uncertain. Trump has since expressed impatience and dissatisfaction with the slow pace of negotiations. He described himself as “angry” and “exasperated” with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin, who proposed a “transitional government” in Ukraine, which would imply the resignation of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. In recent days, Kiev has reported an increase in Russian bombings, especially following the missile strike that hit Zelenskyy’s hometown of Krivy Rih (central Ukraine), killing 20 people, including 9 children, according to local authorities.