Donald Trump has called on Russian President Vladimir Putin to halt attacks on Ukraine, a rare direct appeal after Moscow launched missile and drone strikes on Kyiv, resulting in the deadliest attack on the capital in months.
Trump’s appeal follows Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s calls for increased pressure on Russia from its allies to end the invasion.
Zelensky cut short a trip to South Africa to address the aftermath of the strikes.
“I am not happy with the Russian strikes,” Trump stated on social media. “Not necessary, and very bad timing. Vladimir, STOP!”
Trump, who has been accused of being pro-Russia and has frequently criticized Zelensky, responded to reporters’ questions about potential Russian concessions in negotiations by saying, “Stopping the war, stopping taking the whole country — pretty big concession.”
Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, intended for a swift takeover, has instead resulted in a prolonged and bloody conflict with significant casualties on both sides.
Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, is scheduled to visit Russia this week for further talks with Putin regarding a potential ceasefire.
While Ukraine has endured numerous aerial attacks during the three-year invasion, strikes on Kyiv, which has stronger air defenses, are less frequent.
Zelensky reported that Russia used a North Korean ballistic missile in the recent attack, which killed at least 12 people.
These attacks have cast doubt on US efforts to broker a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, especially after Trump criticized Zelensky for refusing to recognize Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014.
Zelensky, speaking in South Africa, stated that Ukraine complies with its partners’ proposals, except when they contradict Ukrainian law and the constitution.
He also questioned whether Ukraine’s allies were doing enough to pressure Putin into a full and unconditional ceasefire, noting the absence of strong pressure or new sanctions.
Loud explosions were heard in Kyiv around 1:00 am (2200 GMT) after air raid sirens sounded.
Russia reportedly launched at least 70 missiles and 145 drones at Ukraine between late Wednesday and early Thursday, with Kyiv as the primary target.
Ukrainian state emergency services reported that the death toll in Kyiv’s Sviatoshinsky district had risen to 12, with 90 people wounded.
Russia claimed to have targeted Ukraine’s defense industry, including plants producing rocket fuel and gunpowder.
Eyewitnesses in Kyiv described broken windows and doors blown off their hinges, with people being pulled from rubble.
An AFP journalist reported seeing body bags and grieving individuals at the scene.
These recent deadly strikes by Moscow have occurred despite Trump’s efforts to broker a swift end to the conflict. Trump also recently criticized Zelensky for rejecting Russia’s claim over Crimea, which Trump said was “lost years ago.”
Russia annexed Crimea in 2014 and supported separatists in eastern Ukraine.
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