Russian President Vladimir Putin has responded to President Donald Trump, who condemned his onslaught against Ukraine, saying he is “absolutely crazy.”

Dmitry Peskov, spokesperson for Mr Putin, told the BBC on Monday that his principal’s decisions are necessary for Russia’s security.

“We carefully monitor all the reactions. However, President Putin takes those decisions which are necessary for the security of our country. We all witnessed how the Kyiv regime threatened foreign leaders before they came to Moscow to commemorate Victory Day. Everyone heard these threats by the Kyiv regime,” Mr Peskov said.

He added, “And many leaders who were here witnessed attempts by the Kyiv regime to strike Russian territory with drones, large cities, even the capital, on the eve of such an important day. These attempts continue. We are forced to take measures, and President Putin does what is necessary to provide security for Russia.”

The Russian government, however, appreciated Mr Trump for making efforts for a truce between Russia and Ukraine.

“Of course, the start of the negotiation process, for which the American side made a lot of effort, is a very important achievement, and we are truly grateful to the Americans and personally to President Trump for their help in organising and launching this negotiation process,” Mr Peskov said.

Earlier on Monday, Mr Trump lashed out at the Russian leader over a drone and missile attack on Ukraine that killed at least 12 people and left scores injured.

“I’ve always had a very good relationship with Vladimir Putin of Russia, but something has happened to him. He has gone absolutely crazy,” Mr Trump said. 

“He is needlessly killing a lot of people, and I’m not just talking about soldiers. Missiles and drones are being shot into Cities in Ukraine for no reason whatsoever. I’ve always said that he wants all of Ukraine, not just a piece of it, and maybe that’s proving to be right, but if he does, it will lead to the downfall of Russia!”