US President Donald Trump has issued a strong warning to Russian President Vladimir Putin, accusing him of “playing with fire” amid Russia’s largest air assault on Ukraine since the war began. The statement came after Moscow launched a massive barrage of drones and missiles targeting Ukrainian cities, including Kyiv, resulting in at least 13 deaths.
In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump wrote, “What Vladimir Putin doesn’t realise is that if it weren’t for me, lots of really bad things would have already happened to Russia, and I mean REALLY BAD. He’s playing with fire!” He did not elaborate on what he meant by “really bad things,” though reports indicate the White House is considering new sanctions on Russia.
This marks a shift in tone for Trump, who has often expressed admiration for Putin in the past. In earlier comments, Trump called Putin “absolutely crazy” in reference to the scale of Russia’s attack, which involved 900 drones and 69 missiles. The strikes hit Kyiv, Kharkiv, and other cities, causing power outages and infrastructure damage.
In response to Trump’s remarks, former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, who currently serves as deputy chairman of Russia’s Security Council, issued a provocative statement hinting at the possibility of World War III. On social media, Medvedev wrote, “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!”
United States Special Envoy for Ukraine and Russia, Keith Kellogg criticised Medvedev’s comments as “unfortunate, reckless,and unfitting of a word power”, urging Russia to engage constructively in peace efforts.
Meanwhile, the situation on the ground in Ukraine remains dire. Russian forces have captured several border villages in the northeastern Sumy region, intensifying their military campaign. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is seeking increased military aid from European allies, including long-range missiles, to bolster Ukraine’s defense capabilities.
India’s Russian Oil Imports Surge to 10-Month High
In the midst of escalating global tensions, India’s imports of Russian crude oil have surged to a 10-month high, reaching approximately 1.96 million barrels per day (bpd) in May 2025. This increase is driven by strong demand for Russian grades like Urals and ESPO, which offer favourable pricing compared to other international benchmarks.
Data from commodity analytics firm Kpler shows Russia’s share in India’s total crude imports rose to nearly 41 per cent in May, up from 39.3 per cent in April. This marks the fifth straight month of growth, reflecting the strengthening energy partnership between India and Russia.
The spike in imports is due to a combination of factors, including discounted Russian crude and a surplus of supply caused by reduced refinery operations in Russia, following Ukrainian drone attacks. Indian refiners have taken advantage of this by increasing purchases to meet domestic demand.
Refiners have also booked more than ten cargoes of June-loading ESPO crude, indicating strong demand into July. ESPO Blend, a light crude preferred by Indian refiners, is currently trading at a premium of 50 cents to $1 per barrel over Dubai crude.
Meanwhile, India’s imports from other major suppliers have declined. Saudi oil imports dropped 13% month-on-month to 0.55 million bpd, the lowest since September last year. Imports from Iraq and the UAE have also fallen, indicating a strategic shift in sourcing.
India’s growing reliance on Russian oil continues despite Western sanctions on Moscow. Not being part of the sanctions regime, India benefits from cost-effective Russian crude, helping to manage energy expenses amid global volatility.
Long-term deals, such as Rosneft’s 10-year supply agreement with Reliance Industries for 500,000 bpd, reinforce this evolving energy alliance. As global geopolitical tensions persist, India’s oil strategy reflects a pragmatic balance between economic imperatives and international diplomacy.
