Washington/Moscow, (National Times): Former U.S. President Donald Trump has warned that Russian President Vladimir Putin is likely to retaliate following Ukraine’s recent drone attack on Russian airbases, escalating tensions between the two nations amid ongoing conflict.
Speaking about a recent phone call with the Russian leader, Trump revealed, “President Putin did say, and very strongly, that he will have to respond to the recent attack on the airfields.” While the Kremlin has not officially confirmed this assertion, Russian officials previously stated that military responses remain “on the table.”
The conversation between Trump and Putin reportedly lasted over an hour. However, Trump clarified in a social media post that the discussion did not signal an imminent resolution to the war. “This will not lead to immediate peace,” he wrote on Truth Social, emphasizing the continuing volatility in Eastern Europe.
Putin Labels Ukraine a “Terrorist Organisation”
According to Russian state news agency RIA Novosti, Putin accused Ukraine of attempting to sabotage peace negotiations and labeled Kyiv’s government as having “essentially turned into a terrorist organisation.” The Russian president also reportedly expressed interest in rebuilding U.S.-Russia cooperation, citing its “enormous potential.”
The phone call came just days after Ukraine conducted a surprise drone strike on June 1 targeting Russian airbases believed to house nuclear-capable bombers. Ukraine claims the attack was a direct response to relentless Russian drone and missile strikes on Ukrainian cities.
Trump Claims U.S. Was Not Warned
In remarks cited by Russian presidential aide Yury Ushakov, Trump informed Putin that the U.S. had no prior knowledge of the Ukrainian strike. The statement follows previous criticism by Trump over what he perceives as ineffective U.S. policy on Russia.
Last week, Trump suggested he would give Putin a two-week deadline to demonstrate real commitment to peace, warning he would reconsider America’s approach if progress remained elusive. Earlier, on May 26, Trump described Putin as “absolutely crazy” and accused him of “playing with fire” after a wave of Russian attacks killed dozens of Ukrainian civilians.
Wednesday’s post from Trump made no reference to that ultimatum.
Zelensky Slams Weak Global Response
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, in a separate statement on X (formerly Twitter), criticized the international community’s reaction to Russian aggression. “Many have spoken with Russia at various levels. But none of these talks have brought a reliable peace, or even stopped the war,” Zelensky wrote. “If the world reacts weakly to Putin’s threats, he sees it as a green light.”
Meanwhile, a Ukrainian delegation led by Deputy Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko and presidential aide Andriy Yermak arrived in Washington on Wednesday for high-level meetings with U.S. lawmakers. Discussions are expected to center on defense assistance, sanctions against Russia, and reconstruction investments for Ukraine.
Yermak confirmed that they would also address developments on the battlefield and reiterate the need for continued international pressure on Moscow.
Peace Talks Falter Again
The warnings come amid stalled peace efforts. A second round of negotiations held recently in Istanbul ended without meaningful progress. Though both sides agreed to another exchange of prisoners of war, Russia reportedly rejected Kyiv’s demand for an unconditional ceasefire, a stance backed by Ukraine’s Western allies, including the U.S.
As the conflict grinds into its third year, the possibility of renewed military escalation looms large, with Putin’s potential retaliation now at the forefront of international concern.
