09:55 BST
Adam Goldsmith
Live reporter
Donald Trump has consistently claimed he has a good relationship with Vladimir Putin – and he did so again in the first line of a Truth Social post, external on Sunday.
But this cordiality soon gave way. By the second sentence, Trump was describing Putin as having gone “absolutely CRAZY!”
It’s not the first time the US president has scolded the Russian leader. Here’s a look back at some other occasions:
13 March
Following talks between Ukrainian and US delegations in Saudi Arabia – during which the two sides agreed to push for a 30-day truce – Trump said he hoped Putin would “do the right thing” and agree, or risk “a very disappointing moment for the world”
30 March
Putin refused to engage with the proposal, questioning Zelensky’s legitimacy as leader. In response, Trump said he was “very angry” and “pissed off” with his Russian counterpart.
In a phone interview with NBC, Trump also threatened secondary tariffs “on all oil coming out of Russia” if a failure to reach a ceasefire was deemed to be Russia’s fault.
24 April
After a Russian missile strike on Kyiv killed 12 people, Trump delivered one of his sharpest rebukes to date.
“I am not happy with the Russian strikes on KYIV. Not necessary, and very bad timing. Vladimir, STOP! 5000 soldiers a week are dying. Let’s get the Peace Deal DONE!” he wrote on Truth Social.
26 April
Days later, he posted again, saying “there was no reason for Putin to be shooting missiles into civilian areas, cities and towns.
He added: “It makes me think that maybe he doesn’t want to stop the war, he’s just tapping me along, and has to be dealt with differently, through ‘Banking’ or ‘Secondary Sanctions?’ Too many people are dying!!!”
8 May
Trump again threatened “further sanctions” should Russia not agree to a ceasefire.
25 May
Trump called Putin “absolutely crazy” and asked “what the hell happened to him” after a weekend of heavy aerial assaults on Ukraine.
Image source, Getty Images