WASHINGTON, D.C. – In a rare public rebuke of Russian President Vladimir Putin, U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday called for an immediate halt to Russian missile and drone attacks on Kyiv, after a deadly overnight barrage killed at least 12 people and injured 90 in the Ukrainian capital.
“I am not happy with the Russian strikes on KYIV,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “Not necessary, and very bad timing. Vladimir, STOP! Let’s get the Peace Deal DONE!”
The attack, which Ukrainian officials described as one of the most “sophisticated and brazen” of the war, targeted Kyiv’s Sviatoshinsky district and came just hours after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged global allies to intensify pressure on Moscow to end its three-year invasion.
Zelensky cut short a diplomatic visit to South Africa following the strike, which saw Russia launch at least 70 missiles and 145 drones, primarily at Kyiv.
Ukrainian emergency services reported that victims were pulled from the rubble of damaged buildings, with witnesses describing shattered windows and doors torn from their hinges.
In a press briefing, Zelensky said the morning’s assault was further proof of the need for stronger international action.
“I don’t see any strong pressure on Russia or any new sanctions packages against Russia’s aggression,” he said. “The strikes must be stopped immediately and unconditionally.”
The Kremlin said the targets were Ukrainian defense industry sites, including facilities involved in the production of rocket fuel and gunpowder.
Trump’s rebuke follows days of escalating tension between the U.S. and Ukrainian leadership.
On Wednesday, Trump accused Zelensky of obstructing peace negotiations by refusing to consider Russia’s annexation of Crimea, which Moscow seized in 2014.
Trump described the territory as “lost years ago” and suggested that Ukraine’s hardline position was undermining prospects for a ceasefire.
“We do everything that our partners have proposed,” Zelensky responded. “Only what contradicts our legislation and the Constitution we cannot do.”
Steve Witkoff, Trump’s special envoy, is expected to arrive in Moscow this week for his fourth round of talks with Russian officials.
The Trump administration has been actively pursuing a deal to bring an end to the war, though critics say concessions involving territory like Crimea risk legitimizing Russian aggression.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov welcomed Trump’s remarks on Crimea, saying, “This completely corresponds with our understanding, which we have been saying for a long time.”
Meanwhile, Moscow continues its campaign of intense aerial strikes across Ukraine.
Earlier this month, attacks on Kryvyi Rih, Zelensky’s hometown, killed at least 19 people—including nine children. Another strike in Sumy killed at least 35 people.
As hopes for a rapid ceasefire dim, Trump’s latest comments mark a notable, if measured, shift in tone.
While he has often expressed admiration for Putin and blamed Ukraine for prolonging the war, Thursday’s post was a direct appeal to the Russian leader to deescalate—albeit without a threat of consequences.
The U.S. administration has yet to announce any changes in policy or additional sanctions in response to the latest attack.
