Trump Pushes for Peace After Russia’s Deadliest Strike on Kyiv in Months
At least 12 people were killed and 90 injured when Russia launched a massive wave of missiles and drones on Kyiv on Thursday—its deadliest attack on the city in nearly a year. The overnight assault damaged residential buildings and civilian infrastructure, prompting US President Donald Trump to issue a rare direct rebuke of Vladimir Putin. “Vladimir, STOP!” he wrote on Truth Social, calling the attack “not necessary” and “very bad timing” as the US pushes for a ceasefire deal. Ukrainian officials believe a North Korean missile was used in the strike, and search crews are still digging through the rubble.
Trump, speaking at the White House, said peace talks are in motion, calling this week “very important.” He claimed both sides want a deal, but also criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, saying it would be “very difficult” for Ukraine to retake Crimea. The US proposal reportedly includes freezing current territorial lines—a position Zelensky rejects, saying Ukraine’s willingness to negotiate at all is already “a huge compromise.” Meanwhile, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the US is still hopeful a deal can be reached, but warned “things will happen” if attacks continue.
Zelensky, who cut short a visit to South Africa following the strikes, said the bombardment was designed to pressure the US. “If Russia says it is ready to cease fire, it must stop massive strikes against Ukraine,” he said, calling for stronger sanctions and more air defense support. The White House has warned it may walk away from peace efforts if progress stalls, and Trump’s special envoy is expected to meet with Putin directly to push negotiations forward.
