Trump Criticizes Russian Strikes on Kyiv
U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed his displeasure over the recent lethal Russian attacks on Kyiv, calling for President Vladimir Putin to “stop” the strikes. However, he has not indicated whether any additional actions would be taken against Russia.
Casualties from Recent Attacks
The attacks on the Ukrainian capital in the early hours of Thursday resulted in at least 12 fatalities and left 90 people wounded. Trump mentioned that he is exerting considerable pressure on both parties to find an end to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, particularly following the deadliest strikes Kyiv has experienced since July of last year.
Peace Deal Hurdles
This incident adds to the difficulties in negotiating a peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia—an objective Trump claimed he would achieve swiftly during his election campaign last year.
Trump’s Unusual Critique of Putin
In a rare remark directed at Putin, Trump posted on Truth Social: “Not necessary, and very bad timing. Vladimir, STOP!” These attacks arrive amid escalating pressures on Ukraine and President Volodymyr Zelensky to concede parts of its land to Russia as part of a potential peace arrangement.
Zelensky’s Response and Calls for Stronger U.S. Action
During a visit to South Africa, Zelensky reacted to the assaults, asserting that he felt the U.S. could adopt a more assertive stance toward Russia to facilitate a ceasefire. “We believe that more pressure on Russia will help bring our positions closer,” he stated. When asked about making any concessions, he emphasized that Ukraine’s willingness to negotiate already represents a significant compromise, insisting that a ceasefire must be the initial step.
Insight from Russian Officials
In an interview with CBS’s Face the Nation, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov claimed that Russia only targets military sites or civilian areas being utilized by military forces, although he provided no evidence to support this assertion. He also mentioned that certain factors would need to be “fine-tuned” for Russia to accept the U.S.-proposed peace deal.
Strained Ukraine-U.S. Relations
Prior to the attack on Kyiv, the delicate relationship between Trump and Zelensky had begun to show signs of strain, with Trump suggesting that Ukraine may need to make territorial concessions to reach a peace agreement. He asserted that a resolution to the war was “very close” but cautioned that Zelensky’s refusal of U.S. terms would only extend the conflict. Meanwhile, Zelensky has consistently maintained that Ukraine will not relinquish Crimea, which was illegally annexed by Russia in 2014.
