Leaders urge Trump to turn anger at Russia into action

France and Germany call on US president to punish Vladimir Putin after biggest drone attack on Ukraine since start of war

- TOM WATLING

Donald Trump has been urged to impose major sanctions on Russia after the US president described Vladimir Putin as having “gone absolutely crazy” following a barrage of Russian drone and missile attacks across Ukraine.

French president Emmanual Macron urged Mr Trump to turn his words into action, while Ukraine’s leader Volodymyr Zelensky, claiming that the time for dialogue was over, called on the US leader to implement “increased sanctions” against Russia.

It came as Moscow launched three massive drone and missile attacks at civilian targets across Ukraine in as many days. In what Ukraine said was the largest attack since the full-scale invasion began more than three years ago, Russia fired 355 drones and nine missiles, forcing civilians into underground shelters throughout the country.

Mr Trump responded by suggesting that Putin was “crazy” for stepping up attacks on Ukraine, adding that he “didn’t know what was wrong” with the Russian leader.

“Something has happened to him [Putin]. He has gone absolutely CRAZY!” wrote the US president on Truth Social. “I’ve always said that he wants ALL of Ukraine, not just a piece of it, and maybe that’s proving to be right, but if he does, it will lead to the downfall of Russia!”