US President Donald Trump expressed his dissatisfaction with the recent deadly Russian attacks on Kyiv, Ukraine. REUTERS
US President Donald Trump has expressed his anger over the deadly Russian missile strikes on Kyiv, Ukraine, stating that he is "not happy" with the attacks. Trump called on Russian President Vladimir Putin to “stop” the violence but stopped short of suggesting any specific actions against Russia.
The strikes occurred overnight and killed at least 12 people, injuring 90 others. The attacks are the deadliest Kyiv has seen since July of the previous year. Following the strikes, Trump mentioned that he was applying significant pressure on both sides to end the war in Ukraine. This comes amid growing challenges in advancing a peace agreement, a task Trump had promised to resolve quickly during his election campaign last year.
Trump’s criticism of Putin was rare. On a social media post, Trump said, “Not necessary, and very bad timing. Vladimir, STOP!” The strikes have added tension to ongoing peace talks, which have faced increasing pressure for Ukraine to consider conceding parts of its territory to Russia as part of a peace deal.
On Thursday, Trump, alongside Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, discussed the war. Trump said he had no allegiance to any specific side, only a commitment to saving lives. While expressing frustration with Putin, Trump stated he would wait a week “to see if we have a deal.” He also hinted at potential actions if the bombings continue.
Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, was set to hold talks with Putin in Moscow on Friday. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, in South Africa for official talks, responded to the attacks, saying that he believed the US could exert more pressure on Russia for a ceasefire. Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine’s willingness to negotiate with Russia was already a significant compromise. “A ceasefire must be the first step,” he said, stressing that if Russia is ready for peace, it must stop its massive strikes against Ukraine. He also stated that the patience of the Ukrainian people was running thin as they continue to face attacks.
Zelensky cut his trip to South Africa short following the strikes. He had been meeting with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, who also expressed concern over the ongoing conflict. Ramaphosa stated that South Africa is committed to speaking to all parties involved in the conflict, aiming to mediate for peace.
Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov defended the Russian attacks, claiming they only targeted military sites or civilian areas used by the military. However, he provided no evidence to back this claim. Lavrov also suggested that some elements need to be "fine-tuned" for Russia to agree to a US-proposed peace deal.
The relationship between Trump and Zelensky has been strained, especially as Trump has suggested that Ukraine should consider giving up territory, including Crimea, which Russia illegally annexed in 2014. Trump had said that a peace deal was “very close,” but warned that Zelensky’s refusal to accept US terms could prolong the war. Zelensky has firmly stated that Ukraine will not surrender Crimea.
At a recent meeting with the US vice president, JD Vance, a vision for peace was proposed, which includes "freezing" territorial lines. Both Ukraine and Russia would have to give up some of the land they currently control. Trump also suggested that recognizing Russia’s control over Crimea could help end the war, but that idea remains highly controversial.
As talks continue, global leaders like President Ramaphosa of South Africa express hope that negotiations can lead to a ceasefire, while continuing efforts to mediate peace between Russia and Ukraine.
