Trump Urges Putin to Stop Attacks on Kyiv Amid Peace Talks

WASHINGTON (AP) — Former President Donald Trump criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday, urging him to “STOP!” following a series of deadly attacks on Kyiv, Ukraine‘s capital. Trump’s comments came in a post on his Truth Social platform amidst ongoing efforts for a peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia.

“I am not happy with the Russian strikes on Kyiv. Not necessary, and very bad timing. Vladimir, STOP! 5000 soldiers a week are dying,” Trump stated. He called for a peace deal to be finalized.

The Russian military launched an hours-long barrage of missiles and drones at Kyiv, resulting in at least 12 deaths and 90 injuries. Trump’s frustration has escalated as diplomatic negotiations for peace have stalled.

During a recent conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Trump accused Zelenskyy of lengthening the conflict by not ceding territory currently occupied by Russia, a point of contention since Russia annexed the area in 2014. Zelenskyy has consistently maintained that recognizing this territory as Russian is unacceptable for Ukraine.

On Thursday, Zelenskyy highlighted that Ukraine had previously accepted a U.S. ceasefire proposal 44 days ago as a preliminary step towards a negotiated peace, but noted that Russia’s assaults have persisted.

Trump’s remarks are significant, as he has previously suggested that Russia is more willing than Ukraine to reach an agreement. “I thought it might be easier to deal with Zelenskyy,” he remarked. “So far it’s been harder, but that’s OK. It’s all right.”

While preparing for a meeting with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre later that day to discuss various issues including the war, Trump appears to face mounting pressure concerning U.S.-Russia relations.

In response to Trump’s criticism, French President Emmanuel Macron asserted that Putin should “stop lying” about seeking peace while continuing to bombard Ukraine. Macron called for an unconditional ceasefire from Putin.

The French Foreign Ministry responded to Trump’s comments on Zelenskyy, emphasizing that Ukraine’s territorial integrity is non-negotiable, reiterating that any negotiation involving occupied territories is unacceptable.

The escalating rhetoric highlights the complexities of the ongoing war and the challenges facing peace talks. French officials indicated that it is Russia, not Ukraine, which is slowing down negotiations.

Meanwhile, the White House announced that Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, would arrive in Moscow for discussions with Putin, marking their fourth meeting since Trump’s return to office.