Quick Read
- At least 12 killed and 100+ injured in Russian strikes on Kyiv.
- Trump publicly urges Putin to halt attacks, calling them ‘not necessary.’
- Zelenskyy demands stronger international pressure on Russia.
- North Korean-made ballistic missile reportedly used in the attack.
- Peace negotiations face hurdles as attacks escalate.
Trump Calls for Immediate Ceasefire After Deadly Kyiv Strikes
At least 12 people were killed and over 100 injured in a Russian missile attack on Kyiv, Ukrainian officials confirmed on Thursday. The strikes, which targeted several districts and residential areas, prompted $1 Donald Trump to issue a public plea to Russian President Vladimir Putin: ‘Vladimir, STOP!’
‘I am not happy with the Russian strikes on KYIV. Not necessary, and very bad timing,’ Trump wrote on social media. ‘5000 soldiers a week are dying. Let’s get the Peace Deal DONE!’
Zelenskyy Condemns Attack as ‘Intense and Brazen’
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the attack as one of the most ‘intense and brazen’ since the war began. Speaking during a visit to South Africa, Zelenskyy emphasized the need for stronger international pressure on Russia. ‘We believe that with greater pressure on the Russian Federation, we will be able to bring our sides closer,’ he said.
Zelenskyy also claimed that preliminary information indicated the use of a North Korean-made ballistic missile in the attack. ‘If confirmed, this will be further proof of the criminal nature of the alliance between Russia and Pyongyang,’ he added.
Trump’s Push for Peace Amid Escalating Violence
Trump, who has been vocal about his desire to broker a peace deal, expressed frustration over the lack of progress. ‘We are thinking that very strongly that they both want peace, but they have to get to the table,’ he said during a press briefing at the White House. ‘We’re waiting a long time. They have to get them to the table. And I think we’re going to get peace.’
When asked about potential concessions from Russia, Trump stated, ‘Stopping the war. Stopping, taking the whole country. Pretty big concession.’
International Reactions and Ongoing Negotiations
The attack has drawn widespread condemnation from global leaders. European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas called the strikes ‘a mockery of peace,’ while French President Emmanuel Macron urged Putin to agree to an unconditional ceasefire.
Meanwhile, negotiations to end the war continue, with White House officials reportedly pressuring Ukraine to accept a peace plan that may involve territorial concessions. However, Zelenskyy remains firm on Ukraine’s constitutional stance, stating, ‘Anything that contradicts our values or our constitution cannot be included in any agreement.’
Rescue Operations and Day of Mourning
Rescue operations were ongoing in Kyiv as first responders searched for survivors in the rubble of residential buildings. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko declared Friday a day of mourning in memory of the victims.
The Russian Defense Ministry confirmed the strikes, stating that they targeted ‘military and near-military’ objectives. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov reiterated that the Russian military is fulfilling its tasks as ordered by the supreme commander-in-chief.
As tensions escalate, the international community watches closely, hoping for a breakthrough in negotiations to end the devastating conflict.