Trump Defends Putin Amid Deadly Russian Strikes in Ukraine

11 Killed, Dozens Wounded as Russia Intensifies Attacks

As the war in Ukraine enters another critical phase, former U.S. President Donald Trump has come under fire for his latest remarks defending Russian President Vladimir Putin amid a deadly escalation in hostilities. Following a series of Russian missile and drone strikes that killed at least 11 civilians, including five children, and wounded 30 others, Trump suggested that Putin was simply acting in a way any leader would.

Trump: “Putin Is Doing What Anybody Would Do”

During a press interaction in the Oval Office on Friday, Trump remarked that dealing with Russia was easier than negotiating with Ukraine, adding that he believes Putin wants to end the war.

“I’m finding it more difficult, frankly, to deal with Ukraine. And they don’t have the cards,” Trump said. “In terms of getting a final settlement, it may be easier dealing with Russia.”

When asked whether Putin was exploiting the recent pause in U.S. military aid and intelligence sharing with Kyiv, Trump responded:

“I actually think he is doing what anybody else would do.”

Russia Escalates Attacks on Ukraine Amid U.S. Aid Pause

The comments came as Russia launched one of its most intense assaults in weeks, targeting Ukraine’s eastern Donetsk region with ballistic missiles, rockets, and drones.

• The city of Dobropillia, located 22 kilometers from the front line, suffered heavy damage as Russian forces struck residential buildings, vehicles, and emergency response units.
• Kharkiv region was also hit, with three civilians killed in a separate drone attack.
• Ukraine’s Interior Ministry reported that rescue efforts were hampered after Russian forces targeted emergency crews responding to the initial attack.

“While extinguishing the fire, the occupiers struck again, damaging the fire truck,” the ministry stated on Telegram, sharing images of destroyed buildings and emergency workers clearing debris.

Zelenskyy Condemns Attacks, Calls for Stronger Sanctions

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy strongly condemned the latest Russian offensive, emphasizing the need to:

1. Bolster Ukraine’s air defenses
2. Increase Western sanctions on Russia
3. Cut off Putin’s war financing sources

“Such strikes show that Russia’s objectives have not changed. Therefore, it is crucial to continue doing our best to protect lives, strengthen our air defenses, and increase sanctions against Russia,” Zelenskyy said in a Facebook statement.

Impact of U.S. Military Aid Suspension on Ukraine’s Defense

The latest attacks come just days after Washington halted military assistance and intelligence sharing with Ukraine. Analysts warn that:

• The pause in U.S. support could weaken Kyiv’s air defenses, as Ukraine runs low on advanced missile systems.
• A lack of real-time intelligence sharing could slow Ukraine’s ability to track and intercept incoming Russian attacks.

“Right now, Ukraine is fighting with one hand tied behind its back,” a senior European defense official told Reuters, warning that a prolonged suspension of U.S. aid would further tilt the balance in Russia’s favor.

Russia Targets Ukraine’s Energy Infrastructure

In addition to civilian casualties, Russian forces launched missiles at Ukraine’s energy and gas infrastructure, marking the first major attack on Ukraine’s power grid since the U.S. aid pause. This move is expected to:

• Intensify energy shortages across Ukraine
• Strain resources as Ukraine heads into the spring offensive season
• Undermine Kyiv’s economic recovery efforts

Trump’s Relationship with Putin Under Scrutiny

Trump’s latest defense of Putin has reignited debate over his relationship with the Kremlin leader. Despite multiple controversies linking his presidency to Russian interference in U.S. elections, Trump insisted that:

“Despite the Russia, Russia, Russia hoax, I’ve always had a good relationship with Putin. He wants to end the war. And I think he’s going to be more generous than he has to be.”

However, critics argue that Trump’s soft stance on Russia could embolden Putin’s military aggression and weaken U.S. influence in Eastern Europe.

Global Reaction: How the West is Responding

In response to the escalating crisis:

• European leaders have reiterated calls for more sanctions on Russia.
• NATO allies are considering stepping up military support to fill the gap left by the U.S. aid suspension.
• The White House has not commented on Trump’s remarks, but officials have stressed that U.S. support for Ukraine remains firm.

What’s Next for Ukraine and Global Diplomacy?

With Russia intensifying its missile and drone strikes, Ukraine facing critical shortages in air defense weaponry, and Trump pushing for a quick resolution, the geopolitical landscape remains volatile.

As Ukraine fights to defend its cities, international pressure is growing on the U.S. Congress to reinstate military aid and on Western allies to take stronger action against Russia.

For now, Kyiv continues to stand its ground, but the uncertainty surrounding U.S. support raises serious questions about how long it can hold the line.