In one of the most devastating assaults on Ukraine’s capital this year, Russia launched a brutal overnight barrage of missiles and drones, killing at least 10 people and injuring 90 others. The attack, which struck residential areas in Kyiv and sparked fires across the city, has drawn global outrage — including a surprising rebuke from former U.S. President Donald Trump.
“Vladimir, STOP!” Trump wrote on his social platform, Truth Social. “I’m not happy with the Russian strikes on Kyiv. Not necessary, and very bad timing. 5,000 soldiers a week are dying. Let’s get the Peace Deal DONE!”
This rare criticism of Russian President Vladimir Putin from Trump comes at a pivotal moment in the war. The conflict, which began in 2022 with Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, has dragged on with mounting casualties and no clear resolution in sight.
Ukrainian officials say the latest attack caused significant destruction, with some residents still trapped under rubble more than 12 hours later. Emergency services continue search and rescue operations, while volunteers and medical staff rush to help the injured.
The White House has called the timing of the attack “deeply concerning” and warned that U.S. support for negotiations may falter if no meaningful progress toward peace is made soon.
Interestingly, Trump has taken a noticeably softer tone toward Putin than he has toward Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, whom he once labeled a “dictator.” Despite that, his latest comments suggest he’s growing impatient with the lack of movement toward a peace agreement.
Trump’s special envoy is scheduled to meet with Putin later this week to discuss possible terms of a ceasefire. Sources say a proposal, reportedly drafted during recent discussions between Ukrainian and Western officials in London, is already on Trump’s desk for review.
Zelenskiy, who was in South Africa at the time of the attack, cut his trip short and returned to Ukraine immediately. During a press briefing, he said the proposal must not include any terms that compromise Ukraine’s sovereignty.
“Anything that contradicts our values or our constitution cannot be included in any agreement,” Zelenskiy declared firmly.
As the international community watches closely, the pressure mounts on all parties involved to find a resolution. For now, the people of Kyiv continue to suffer the consequences of a war with no clear end — and a peace deal that remains elusive.
