U.S. President Donald Trump issued a rare public reprimand of Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday, following a deadly assault on Kyiv that left at least nine people dead and more than 70 injured. Posting on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump wrote: “I am not happy with the Russian attacks on KYIV. They are unnecessary and come at a very bad time. Vladimir, STOP! 5,000 soldiers are dying every week. Let’s make the peace deal NOW!”
The Ukrainian capital was hit by an hours-long barrage of missiles and drones, marking the deadliest attack on the city since last July.
Trump’s remarks highlight growing frustration over the lack of progress in U.S.-led efforts to broker a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine.
On Wednesday, Trump also took aim at Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, accusing him of prolonging the “killing field” by refusing to cede Crimea — annexed by Russia in 2014 — as part of a potential settlement. Zelenskyy has repeatedly stated that recognizing Russian control over occupied territories is a red line Ukraine will not cross.
On Thursday, Zelenskyy noted that Ukraine accepted a U.S.-proposed ceasefire 44 days ago as a first step toward negotiated peace, but said that Moscow’s attacks have continued unabated.
Later on Thursday, Trump is scheduled to meet with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre to discuss the war in Ukraine, U.S. tariffs, and other bilateral issues. Norway, a NATO member and strong supporter of Ukraine, shares a roughly 198-kilometer border with Russia.
