After Russia’s almost 11-hour attack on the capital city of Ukraine that left residents gripped by fear and mourning, President Donald Trump made a rare criticism of Vladimir Putin, urging the leader to “STOP!”
In “one of the most massive aerial attacks since the start of the full-scale invasion,” according to Ukraine media, Russia unleashed a relentless barrage of missiles and drones on Kyiv and other Ukrainian regions, killing at least nine people and injuring over 70.
Six children were among those wounded and the search for people trapped under the rubble is ongoing, AP reports.
“Unfortunately, there is significant destruction. Rescue operations are ongoing, and the rubble of residential buildings is being cleared,” Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy tweeted about the attack that lasted nearly 11 hours, leaving its residents gripped by fear and mourning.
“It has been 44 days since Ukraine agreed to a full ceasefire and a halt to strikes. This was a proposal from the United States. And it has been 44 days of Russia continuing to kill our people and evading tough pressure and accountability for its actions.”
Zelenskyy, who is cutting short his official trip to South Africa following Russia’s strike on Kyiv, denounced the assault as one of Russia’s “most outrageous,” signaling the emotional and strategic weight of this turning point in the conflict.
The strike has intensified international scrutiny and added fuel to ongoing diplomatic efforts toward peace – efforts that now appear increasingly urgent and fragile.
‘Harmful to peace’
Zelenskyy, for his part, has remained steadfast throughout the war – which erupted with Russia’s invasion in February 2022 – that any territorial concession, particularly acknowledging Crimea as Russian, is a non-negotiable red line for Kyiv.
On April 22, Zelenskyy made it clear that he was open to talks with Russia, but he added that “Ukraine will not legally recognize the occupation of Crimea. There is nothing to talk about. It is against our constitution,” CNN reports.
But President Donald Trump is not fond of Zelenskyy’s refusal to recognize Russia’s control of Crimea, sharply criticizing his statements as “very harmful to the Peace Negotiations.”
On April 23, POTUS slammed the Ukrainian President, writing on Truth Social that his “inflammatory statements” “makes it so difficult to settle this War.”
“He has nothing to boast about! The situation for Ukraine is dire – He can have Peace or, he can fight for another three years before losing the whole Country,” Trump posted.
“I have nothing to do with Russia, but have much to do with wanting to save, on average, five thousand Russian and Ukrainian soldiers a week, who are dying for no reason whatsoever.”
Next, he hinted that a deal is “very close,” and that it’s time to “GET IT DONE.”
He added, “I look forward to being able to help Ukraine, and Russia, get out of this Complete and Total MESS, that would have never started if I were President!”
Trump’s remarks reflect a growing impatience with the stalled diplomatic process, underscoring his belief that Ukraine must make strategic compromises – particularly regarding Crimea – in order to end the war.
Trump strikes Putin
Less than 24 hours later, Trump’s focus shifted to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Following the deadly strikes on April 24, the U.S. President blasted Putin on Truth Social, expressing his elevating frustrations.
“I am not happy with the Russian strikes on KYIV,” Trump started in his post. “Not necessary, and very bad timing. Vladimir, STOP! 5000 soldiers a week are dying. Let’s get the Peace Deal DONE!”
As the dust settles over a grieving Kyiv, the global community finds itself at a crossroads. The coming days may shape not just the fate of Ukraine, but the very fabric of international diplomacy. With Trump’s explosive call for peace, all eyes now turn to Putin – and the decisions he makes next.
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