Tensions have publicly heated up between the United States and Russia over the escalating conflict in Ukraine, following US President Donald Trump’s warning that President Vladimir Putin was “playing with fire.”
The online clash that began on May 28, 2025, coincided with Russia deploying 50,000 troops near a strategic region in Ukraine.
“What Vladimir Putin doesn’t understand is that if it weren’t for me, many terrible things would have already happened in Russia, and I mean really bad. He’s playing with fire,” President Donald Trump said in a Truth Social post.
As world leaders debated the chances for peace, Europe’s deadliest conflict since World War II intensified rapidly while both sides unleashed waves of drones, and Russian forces made advances at critical points along the frontline.
US & Russia Public Face-off
In response, Dmitry Medvedev, Russia’s top security official and former president, dismissed Trump’s criticism within Russia.
“Regarding Trump’s words about Putin ‘playing with fire’ and ‘really bad things’ happening to Russia. I only know of one really bad thing: WWIII. I hope Trump understands this!” Medvedev wrote in English on X.
Another social media post from Trump’s envoy, Keith Kellogg, on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, quoted Medvedev’s post and said it was reckless.
“Stoking fears of WW III is an unfortunate, reckless comment and unfitting of a world power,” Kellogg said on X.
Also Read: Blow to Trump as Russian President Vladimir Putin Refuses Turkey Meeting
Zelensky’s Heated Debate with Trump
On February 28, 2025, the leaders of the Trump administration and Ukraine met at the White House in Washington, DC, to discuss the war and a United States peace plan.
What began with smiles and friendly handshakes quickly escalated into a heated exchange.
During the meeting, United States Vice President JD Vance called for diplomacy as the way to peace.
In response, President Zelensky questioned what kind of diplomacy he was talking about, pointing out that Ukraine had faced Russian aggression long before the 2022 invasion.
Vance accused Zelensky of being disrespectful and urged him to thank the president for Trump’s support during the conflict.
Also Read: Details of Trump, Zelenskyy 15-Minute Private Talk at Pope Francis Funeral
Pope Leo XIV Joins World Leaders
Pope Leo XIV made a plea on Wednesday, 28, 2025, for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all hostages, and full respect for international humanitarian law.
“From the Gaza Strip, we hear cries rising ever more insistently to the heavens, cries from mothers and fathers clutching the lifeless bodies of their children, forced to move constantly in search of food, water, and shelter from the bombings,” Pope said.
Further, the humanitarian crisis has worsened since the Israeli military launched a major new offensive in the region, which has been embroiled in conflict since attacks by Palestinian militant groups on Israel in October 2023.
His plea came just a day after nearly 50 people were injured while trying to receive food aid at distribution points in Gaza.
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