President Donald Trump, on Thursday, condemned Russia’s latest attack on Kyiv, calling on President Vladimir Putin to “stop” to prevent more deaths in Ukraine.
Russian overnight strikes, described as the deadliest air assault on the Ukrainian capital in nine months, killed at least eight people and left dozens more injured, reports CNN.
In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump expressed frustration with the ongoing conflict, stating “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 added.
According to Ukrainian authorities, Russia launched a massive overnight barrage of 215 drones and missiles—70 of them being missiles—that targeted key infrastructure and residential areas across eight regions, with Kyiv suffering the greatest damage.
The Ukrainian Air Force confirmed that five ballistic missiles managed to evade air defences.
Emergency services reported that 13 locations in Kyiv were hit, including homes and civilian buildings, adding that more than 60 people were injured, while search efforts continue for those still trapped under rubble.
The Mayor of Kyiv, Vitali Klitschko, described the assault as the most devastating since July 2024, when 33 people were killed in a similar attack.
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky, who was visiting South Africa, announced he would cut his trip short and return home to oversee the emergency response. He accused Russia of trying to pressure the U.S. and undermine ongoing ceasefire talks.
“These are not the actions of a man of peace,” Zelensky said.
Amid the violence, Trump has been pushing Ukraine to agree to a controversial peace deal that reportedly includes recognition of Russian control over Crimea.
Zelensky has firmly rejected that proposal, stating that it contradicts Ukraine’s constitution and principles of sovereignty.
“The fact that Ukraine is willing to negotiate after a full ceasefire with terrorists is already a big compromise,” he told reporters.
His comments infuriated Trump who accused him of making “inflammatory” remarks that hinder peace, referring specifically to Zelensky’s firm rejection of Crimea’s occupation.
“If he wants Crimea, why didn’t they fight for it eleven years ago when it was handed over without a shot?” Trump wrote on his Truth Social account on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, Russia maintains that it remains committed to talks. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov who made this known on Wednesday, confirmed an upcoming meeting between Putin and U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff
He however stressed that any peace agreement must cover Russia’s interests.
