U.S. President Donald Trump has criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin after a deadly missile and drone attack on Kyiv, which killed at least nine people and injured more than 70, including six children. This attack is the deadliest assault on the Ukrainian capital since July of last year.
“I am not happy with the Russian strikes on Kyiv. Not necessary, and very bad timing. Vladimir, STOP! 5,000 soldiers a week are dying. Let’s get the peace deal DONE!” Trump posted on his social media platform, Truth Social.
The attack came as there were signs that diplomatic efforts for a peace deal were gaining momentum, with Trump stating that a deal was “very close.” Russia launched a heavy barrage of 66 ballistic and cruise missiles, four air-to-surface missiles, and 145 drones targeting Kyiv and other regions, according to the Ukrainian Air Force.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, speaking in South Africa, called the attack one of the most “sophisticated and brazen” since the war began. He linked the timing of the attack to efforts to pressure the U.S. and weaken Ukraine’s international support.
“Russia understands that Ukraine is standing up and defending its rights,” Zelensky said. “This is also putting pressure on America. That is why I believe today’s attack happened.”
After the attack, Zelensky cut his trip short and returned to Kyiv. Emergency crews worked overnight, searching through the wreckage of destroyed buildings as the city streets were lit by emergency lights.
The attack has sparked discussions about the future of Crimea and whether Ukraine should give up some land to Russia as part of a peace agreement. Zelensky has strongly rejected any proposals that would give up Crimea or any other Ukrainian territory, saying it would go against Ukraine’s Constitution.
However, Trump has urged Ukraine to reconsider its position. He pointed out that Ukraine lost Crimea years ago and warned that Zelensky could either pursue peace now or “fight for another three years before losing the whole country.”
Zelensky pushed back firmly, stating: “We do everything that our partners have proposed, but we cannot agree to anything that contradicts our legislation and the Constitution.”
Trump also criticized Ukraine’s Western allies for not putting enough pressure on Russia. “I don’t see any strong pressure or new sanctions packages against Russia’s aggression,” he said.
Meanwhile, U.S. Vice President JD Vance indicated a tougher stance, warning that if Ukraine does not consider territorial concessions, it could lose American support.
