Trump Urges Putin to Halt Ukraine Attacks After Deadly Kyiv Strike

U.S. President Donald Trump issued a rare public rebuke of Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday, calling for an immediate end to Moscow’s attacks on Ukraine following a devastating assault on Kyiv that claimed at least 12 lives. The strike, one of the deadliest on the Ukrainian capital in recent months, prompted Trump to appeal directly to Putin, urging him to prioritize peace negotiations.

“I’m deeply troubled by the Russian strikes on Kyiv. They’re unnecessary and poorly timed. Vladimir, STOP!” Trump wrote on social media. He emphasized the urgency of finalizing a peace agreement, stating, “Let’s get the Peace Deal DONE!” The comments came as Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, prepared to travel to Russia for talks with Putin, marking his fourth such visit since Trump’s return to the White House in January.

The Russian attack, which involved a barrage of missiles and drones, killed at least 12 people and heightened tensions amid ongoing U.S.-led efforts to broker a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who cut short a trip to South Africa to address the crisis, called for stronger international pressure on Russia to halt its invasion. Speaking to reporters, Zelenskyy said, “We do everything that our partners have proposed, only what contradicts our legislation and the Constitution we cannot do,” in response to questions about conceding Crimea, which Russia annexed in 2014.

Zelenskyy also criticized the lack of robust sanctions or pressure on Moscow, noting, “I don’t see any strong pressure on Russia or any new sanctions packages against Russia’s aggression.” He argued that Trump’s earlier warnings of consequences for continued Russian aggression had not been followed by sufficient action.

Kyiv, better shielded by air defenses than other Ukrainian cities, has faced fewer deadly strikes during Russia’s three-year invasion. However, Thursday’s assault underscored the ongoing threat and cast further doubt on ceasefire prospects. The attack followed Trump’s recent criticism of Zelenskyy for resisting Russian control over Crimea, a sticking point in negotiations.

As the war grinds on, both sides face mounting pressure to reach a resolution. Trump’s direct appeal to Putin signals a shift in tone, though the path to peace remains fraught with challenges.