Trump Urges Putin to Halt Deadly Kyiv Attacks Amid Stalled Peace Efforts
President Donald Trump issued a rare rebuke of Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday, calling for an immediate end to Russia's deadly military assaults on Kyiv, Ukraine's capital. In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump expressed dismay over the ongoing violence, 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. Lets get the Peace Deal DONE!" The comments follow a devastating hours-long barrage of Russian missiles and drones on Kyiv, which killed at least nine people and injured more than 70, marking the city's deadliest attack since July.
The Russian assault on Kyiv has intensified international concerns about the escalating conflict, which began with Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Trump's remarks reflect growing frustration with the lack of progress in U.S.-led efforts to broker a peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia. Despite diplomatic initiatives, the prospects for a ceasefire remain dim as both sides hold firm on key territorial disputes.
On Wednesday, Trump directed sharp criticism at Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, accusing him of prolonging the war's "killing field" by refusing to cede the Russia-occupied Crimea Peninsula as part of a potential peace deal. Zelenskyy, however, has consistently maintained that recognizing occupied territories as Russian is a non-negotiable "red line" for Ukraine. On Thursday, Zelenskyy highlighted that Ukraine had agreed to a U.S.-proposed ceasefire 44 days ago as an initial step toward peace, but Russia's continued attacks have undermined those efforts.
Trump's comments come as he prepares to meet with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre later Thursday to discuss the Ukraine conflict, U.S. tariffs, and other bilateral issues. Norway, a NATO member and staunch supporter of Ukraine, shares a 123-mile border with Russia, making it a key player in regional security dynamics. The meeting underscores the international community's ongoing efforts to address the war and its broader implications for global stability.
As the death toll rises and diplomatic solutions falter, Trump's call for an end to the violence highlights the urgency of finding a path to peace. The international community continues to watch closely as the conflict in Ukraine shows no signs of abating, with devastating consequences for civilians and soldiers alike.