President Donald Trump has publicly criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin for a recent wave of missile and drone attacks on Kyiv, Ukraine’s capital. In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump expressed his discontent, urging Putin to “STOP!” the violence, which has resulted in the deaths of at least nine people and left more than 70 others injured. This barrage of attacks is considered the deadliest on Kyiv since last July.
Trump’s statement comes amid ongoing efforts by the U.S. to broker a peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia, which have seen little success. He highlighted the loss of life, stating that approximately 5,000 soldiers are dying each week and calling for a peace deal to be finalized.
The strikes on Kyiv began early Thursday and lasted for hours, involving a significant number of missiles and drones. The Ukrainian air force reported that Russia launched 66 ballistic and cruise missiles, alongside numerous drones. The assault struck multiple neighborhoods, causing widespread damage and leaving many residents in fear.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who was in South Africa at the time, cut his trip short to return home. He condemned the attacks as one of Russia’s most outrageous actions and reiterated that recognizing Crimea, which is occupied by Russia, as part of Russia is a non-negotiable point for Ukraine.
Zelenskyy noted that Ukraine had previously accepted a U.S. ceasefire proposal but stressed that the future of negotiations hinges on Russia’s willingness to engage in meaningful discussions. He emphasized that the continued attacks demonstrate a lack of respect for peace efforts from Moscow.
The European Union’s foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, echoed Zelenskyy’s sentiments, stating that Russia’s actions undermine any claims of seeking peace. Ukrainian officials have warned that the ongoing violence, including attacks on civilian areas, has resulted in the deaths of approximately 13,000 civilians, including many children, since the war began in February 2022.
As the situation in Kyiv remains tense, many residents spent the night in shelters, shaken by the explosions and the chaos that unfolded. The attack has left the city on edge, with emergency services working tirelessly to manage the aftermath and provide assistance to those affected.