In a dramatic turn of events, President Donald Trump has publicly criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin, urging him to halt attacks on Ukraine's capital, Kyiv, following a deadly missile barrage that resulted in at least 12 fatalities and around 90 injuries. The attacks, which occurred in the early hours of April 24, 2025, marked one of the deadliest assaults on the city since last July, underscoring the ongoing violence that has plagued the region since the onset of the war in February 2022.
Trump took to his Truth Social platform to express his discontent, stating, "I am not happy with the Russian strikes on KYIV. Not necessary, and very bad timing. Vladimir, STOP! 5000 soldiers a week are dying. Let’s get the Peace Deal DONE!" His remarks reflect a growing frustration with the lack of progress in U.S.-led efforts to negotiate peace between Ukraine and Russia.
The missile strikes on Kyiv involved a barrage of drones and missiles, with reports indicating that over 200 projectiles were launched. Ukrainian air defense forces managed to intercept 48 missiles and 64 drones, while many others were redirected through electronic warfare measures. The assault targeted various neighborhoods, igniting more than 40 fires across the city.
In the aftermath of the attack, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed his concerns about the continued violence, highlighting that Ukraine had previously agreed to a U.S. ceasefire proposal 44 days prior, which had yet to yield any results. He underscored the need for increased pressure on Russia to facilitate a ceasefire, stating, "I don’t see much pressure on Russia or any new strong sanctions packages against the Russian aggression - for now."
Trump's criticism of Putin is notable given his historically favorable stance towards the Russian leader. Just a day before, he had criticized Zelenskyy for allegedly prolonging the conflict by refusing to surrender Crimea, a territory that Russia annexed in 2014. Trump suggested that Putin's recent military actions were poorly timed in light of ongoing peace negotiations, stating, "Putin has 'the cards' and Zelenskyy does not." This comment has sparked debate over the perceived imbalance of power in negotiations.
French President Emmanuel Macron also weighed in on the situation, accusing Putin of lying about his intentions for peace while simultaneously continuing to bombard Ukraine. During a visit to Madagascar, Macron stated, "Putin must stop lying at last. He continues to bomb Ukraine, he continues to kill people in Ukraine." His remarks highlight the skepticism surrounding Russia's commitment to peace.
Meanwhile, the head of the Crimean Tatar Mejlis, Refat Chubarov, rejected any suggestions to recognize Crimea as part of Russia, emphasizing that any agreements made without the involvement of Ukraine or the Crimean Tatar people would be illegitimate. Chubarov, currently attending the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues in New York, reiterated the importance of including the voices of those directly affected by the conflict.
In the context of ongoing diplomatic efforts, the White House announced that Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, would visit Moscow for further discussions with Putin regarding the war. This meeting marks the fourth such encounter since Trump took office, indicating a continued commitment to finding a resolution.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth met with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte on the same day, discussing military cooperation and the need for increased defense spending among NATO allies. Rutte emphasized that the current spending levels are insufficient for the defense of NATO territories, calling for a significant increase in military budgets.
As the situation continues to unfold, the international community remains divided on how best to approach the conflict. Sir Keir Starmer, the UK Prime Minister, has insisted that Ukraine must be allowed to determine the terms of any peace deal, contradicting Trump’s earlier statements that suggested Ukraine should cede Crimea to facilitate negotiations. Starmer stated, "It is for Ukraine to decide. And Russia must come to the table for that unconditional ceasefire." This stance highlights the complexities of the diplomatic landscape, as various leaders advocate for differing approaches to the crisis.
In a related development, Zelenskyy has linked Russia's recent attacks to a broader strategy of pressuring the United States, arguing that the Kremlin's actions are designed to test U.S. resolve. He stated, "We’re defending our rights; Russia understands this and is putting pressure on us. It’s also pressuring America, which is also why I associate today’s strike with that." This perspective underscores the interconnectedness of international relations and the implications of the conflict for global security.
As the death toll from the missile attack continues to rise, with reports indicating that the number of fatalities has reached 12 and injuries have climbed to 90, the urgency for a resolution becomes increasingly critical. Rescue operations are ongoing, with emergency services working tirelessly to locate survivors trapped under the rubble of damaged buildings.
The international community watches closely as the situation develops, with calls for a ceasefire growing louder amid the tragic loss of life and continued hostilities. The coming days are likely to be pivotal in determining the future trajectory of peace negotiations and the potential for an end to the violence.
In conclusion, the recent escalation in violence in Ukraine has prompted significant reactions from global leaders, highlighting the complex interplay of diplomacy, military strategy, and humanitarian concerns. As the world grapples with the ramifications of the ongoing conflict, the hope for a peaceful resolution remains a primary objective for many, though the path forward appears fraught with challenges.
