President Trump on Sunday condemned the decision by President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia to unleash one of the largest offensives in Russia’s war against Ukraine, and said he was considering imposing more sanctions on Russia in response.
Speaking to reporters in New Jersey before boarding Air Force One, Mr. Trump said he was “not happy” with Mr. Putin escalating his attacks, especially as the two countries negotiate a cease-fire deal to bring the three-year war to an end.
“He’s killing a lot of people, and I don’t know what the hell happened to Putin,” Mr. Trump said. “I’ve known him a long time. Always gotten along with him. But he’s sending rockets into cities and killing people, and I don’t like it at all.”
He added, “We’re in the middle of talking, and he’s shooting rockets into Kyiv and other cities.”
The remarks came after Russia carried out one of its largest drone and missile barrages of the war on Ukraine overnight, killing at least 12 people and injuring dozens across the country.
Asked whether he was considering levying additional sanctions against Russia, which he has threatened several times, Mr. Trump responded: “Absolutely, he’s killing a lot of people.”
Mr. Trump, who has largely sided with Russia in the war, said he was “surprised” by the escalation.
On Sunday, President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine condemned Russia’s attacks in a social media post, and said they warranted punishment.
“Each such terrorist Russian strike is a sufficient reason for new sanctions against Russia,” Mr. Zelensky wrote. “Russia is dragging out this war and continues to kill every day.” He added, “The world may go on a weekend break, but the war continues, regardless of weekends and weekdays. This cannot be ignored. Silence of America, silence of others around the world only encourage Putin.”
Erica L. Green is a White House correspondent for The Times, covering President Trump and his administration.
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