Former U.S. President Donald Trump publicly called on Russian President Vladimir Putin to cease military aggression in Ukraine, following a devastating missile attack on Kyiv that left at least 10 people dead and more than 70 injured.
The overnight strike, one of the deadliest in recent months, caused widespread destruction to residential buildings, with children and a pregnant woman among those rushed to the hospital.
NATO forces reportedly scrambled warplanes in response to the incident, which has further escalated tensions in the region.
On his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump expressed frustration, writing:
“I am not happy with the Russian strikes on Kyiv. Not necessary, and very bad timing. Vladimir, STOP! Five thousand soldiers a week are dying. Let’s get the peace deal done!”
Just hours before the assault, Trump criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, accusing him of prolonging the conflict by refusing to cede territory.
The former president has urged a swift resolution to the three-year war, advocating for a peace deal that would involve territorial concessions.
Currently, Russia controls approximately 20% of Ukrainian territory, including Crimea, which it annexed in 2014.
More than 4.6 million Ukrainians have been displaced from these regions.
Zelensky, however, rejected the notion of surrendering land, stating, “There is nothing to talk about. It is our land, the land of the Ukrainian people.”
In the UK, Foreign Office Minister Stephen Doughty condemned the attack during remarks to Parliament, calling it “absolutely horrific” and a “stark reminder of Putin’s ongoing aggression.” He emphasised
praised Ukraine’s willingness to pursue peace and urged Russia to agree to an immediate ceasefire without conditions.
