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Trump Expresses Displeasure Over Russian Strikes on Kyiv Amid Peace Talks
Former President Donald Trump has voiced his discontent with Vladimir Putin’s recent missile strikes on Kyiv, calling it “not necessary” and expressing concern over stalled peace negotiations. This statement comes as the Ukraine peace deal remains elusive and tensions escalate between Russia and Ukraine.
Trump’s Reaction to Kyiv Attacks
Trump took to his social media platform, Truth Social, to convey his dissatisfaction. “I am not happy with the Russian strikes on KYIV. Not necessary, and very bad timing,” he stated. He further urged Putin to halt the conflict, emphasizing the high casualty rate, “Vladimir, STOP! 5000 soldiers a week are dying. Lets get the Peace Deal DONE!” His remarks highlight growing frustration with the ongoing conflict and the lack of progress in securing a resolution.
Deadly Assault on Kyiv
Overnight, Kyiv endured an hours-long barrage of missiles and drones, resulting in at least nine fatalities and over 70 injuries. This marks the deadliest assault on the Ukrainian capital since last July, coinciding with intensified peace efforts.
Zelensky Alleges Pressure Tactics
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky asserted that the large-scale missile attack on Kyiv was designed to exert “pressure” on the United States. He noted Ukraine’s prior agreement to a US ceasefire proposal aimed at initiating peace negotiations, lamenting that Moscow’s attacks have persisted.
Crimea Stance Unchanged
Zelensky also reiterated Kyiv’s unwavering stance on Crimea, following Trump’s criticism regarding the refusal to cede the peninsula, which Russia illegally annexed in 2014.
Kremlin’s Response
When questioned about the strikes on Kyiv, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov maintained that Russia continues to target “military and military-adjacent targets.”
Details of the Airstrikes
- Sixty-six ballistic and cruise missiles
- Four plane-launched air-to-surface missiles
- One hundred forty-five Shahed and decoy drones
These were fired at Kyiv and four other Ukrainian regions, according to Ukrainian authorities, creating an atmosphere of sustained unease for approximately 11 hours.
Zelensky Cuts Short South Africa Trip
Calling the attack “one of the most sophisticated, most brazen” during Russia’s three-year invasion, Zelensky is returning to Kyiv early from a visit to South Africa after talks with President Cyril Ramaphosa. He emphasized that Russia’s actions are aimed at pressuring both Ukraine and the United States.
Stance on Crimea
Despite insistence that a Ukraine peace deal was “very close,” Zelensky affirmed that Kyiv would not concede Crimea to Russia. Moscow annexed Crimea in 2014 and has supported a pro-Russian rebellion in eastern Ukraine, fueling years of conflict.
“We do everything that our partners have proposed, only what contradicts our legislation and the Constitution we cannot do,” Zelensky stated, addressing the Crimea issue.
Zelensky Calls for More Pressure
Zelensky voiced a need for increased pressure from Kyiv’s allies on Moscow to halt the invasion. “I don’t see any strong pressure on Russia or any new sanctions packages against Russia’s aggression,” he told journalists. However, he acknowledged prior warnings from Trump about potential repercussions if Moscow failed to agree to a ceasefire.
Trump’s Prior Criticism
Before this rebuke, Trump criticized Zelensky for refusing to recognize Russia’s occupation of Crimea, calling it “very harmful to the Peace Negotiations with Russia.” Trump has previously argued that Crimea was “lost years ago” and should not be a point of contention.
Trump had accused Zelensky of “prolonging the killing field” and warned he could “have peace, or he can fight for another three years before losing the whole country.”
US Pressure on Ukraine Questioned
Recent US attempts to exert influence over Ukraine have strained relations. High-level talks in London were disrupted when key members of Trump’s team withdrew, reportedly due to Kyiv’s resistance to American demands.
Peace envoy Steve Witkoff was allegedly en route to Moscow for a meeting with Putin. These maneuvers have also placed a strain on the relationship with Britain.
Trump to Meet with Norwegian Prime Minister
Trump is scheduled to meet with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre to discuss the war in Ukraine, US tariffs, and other matters. Norway, a NATO member and strong supporter of Ukraine, shares a border with Russia.
Europe’s Demands for Ceasefire
Meanwhile, Europe has amplified its calls for an immediate unconditional ceasefire in Ukraine. French President Emmanuel Macron accused Putin of “lying” about wanting peace, stating that Putin tells US negotiators “he wants peace” while continuing “to bombard Ukraine.”
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer characterized the deadly attack as evidence that Putin is “the aggressor here.”