Trump says Putin 'playing with fire' as Russia ramps up Ukraine strikes

Kremlin dismisses Trump’s warnings as "emotional overload," downplaying his recent critical statements

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US President Donald Trump has escalated his criticism of Russian President Vladimir Putin, warning that the Kremlin leader is "playing with fire" following a series of sustained Russian airstrikes on Ukraine.

Speaking on his social media platform Truth Social on Tuesday, President Trump issued a stark warning, suggesting Putin is underestimating the severity of the current geopolitical situation. "He’s playing with fire," Trump wrote, adding that “if it weren’t for me, lots of really bad things would have already happened to Russia — and I mean REALLY BAD.”

The remarks follow a similar outburst on Sunday, in which Trump accused Putin of having "gone absolutely crazy" after Russia launched airstrikes on Ukrainian targets for three consecutive nights. The former president, who has previously touted a strong rapport with the Russian leader, expressed surprise at Putin's recent conduct.

"I’ve always had a very good relationship with Vladimir Putin of Russia," Trump said. "But something has happened to him."

The Kremlin swiftly dismissed the comments. Speaking to reporters, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov characterised Trump’s statements as "emotional overload," seeking to downplay the former president’s warnings.

The renewed war of words comes as international concern grows over Russia's intensifying military campaign in Ukraine and amid heightened tensions between Washington and Moscow.

Trump considering new sanctions on Russia

Trump is also weighing new sanctions on Russia amid growing frustration over continued attacks in Ukraine and stalled peace talks with President Vladimir Putin, according to The Wall Street Journal.

While no new financial sanctions are expected, the Trump administration is considering alternative pressures, including backing a 30-day Ukraine-supported ceasefire—an offer Moscow has repeatedly rejected.

Trump, who once vowed to end the war on day one of his presidency, may abandon peace talks altogether if no progress is made, sources told the WSJ. Despite a recent phone call with Putin that led to an agreement for direct negotiations between Ukraine and Russia, Trump struck a hardline tone: “He’s sending rockets into cities and killing people, and I don’t like it at all.”

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated, “President Trump has been clear he wants a negotiated peace deal… [but] has also smartly kept all options on the table.”