President Donald Trump warned that Vladimir Putin is “playing with fire” by refusing to engage in ceasefire talks with Kyiv, even as Russian forces make advances in northeastern Ukraine.
Expressing growing frustration, Trump criticised the Russian leader amid some of the deadliest drone and missile attacks in the ongoing conflict, which has lasted over three years, while peace negotiations remain stalled.
In a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump said that without his involvement, “really bad things” would have already happened in Russia, stressing that Putin is taking dangerous risks.
Though Trump usually highlights his friendly ties with Putin, he did not provide further details. A senior Russian security official dismissed Trump’s comments, warning of the severe consequences such tensions might bring, hinting at the risk of a global conflict.
Earlier, Trump also described Putin as “absolutely CRAZY” for launching a massive aerial assault on Ukraine.
Putin, following a lengthy phone call with Trump last week, stated that Russia is prepared to work with Ukraine on drafting a peace agreement, including discussions about a potential ceasefire and its timing. However, Ukraine and its Western allies have demanded an immediate, unconditional ceasefire for at least 30 days.
The Kremlin has not provided a timeline for completing the memorandum and said it is still working on it. Kyiv and European governments accuse Moscow of delaying tactics while advancing militarily.
On the ground, Ukraine suffered a setback as Russian forces captured four villages in the northeastern Sumy region. Though many residents had been evacuated, the occupation signals continued Russian progress.
The U.S. has prepared additional sanctions against Russia, though none have been implemented yet, while Trump faces increasing pressure from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to increase military aid.
These Russian advances follow some of the most intense drone and missile attacks since the conflict began, although the level of strikes decreased significantly overnight. Ukraine has responded with numerous long-range drone attacks on Russian territory, causing temporary airport closures in Moscow.
The Sumy region, located less than 30 kilometers from the Russian border, has been a focus of ongoing Russian efforts to push deeper, supported by drone reconnaissance and small assault units on motorcycles. Last year, Ukrainian forces briefly launched an operation into Russia’s Kursk region from here before being driven out.
Local officials say Russia aims to establish a “buffer zone” along the border, a strategy Putin reiterated during a visit to Kursk earlier this year.
While the main fighting continues in eastern Donetsk, Russia’s progress in northeastern Ukraine shows how it is opening multiple fronts, stretching Ukrainian forces.
President Zelenskiy has repeatedly warned that Russia is preparing new offensives in Sumy, Kharkiv, and Zaporizhzhia, signaling Russia’s expectation of a prolonged conflict.
He said there is strong evidence of planned new operations, highlighting Russia’s intent to continue the war.
