US President Donald Trump on Thursday, in a rare criticism of Russian President Vladimir Putin, called for an immediate halt to the deadly missile and drone strikes on Kyiv, Ukraine’s capital.
“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 wrote on his Truth Social platform. “Lets get the Peace Deal DONE!”
The assault marked the deadliest in Kyiv since July 2024, killing at least 12 and injuring around 90. Trump’s comments reflect his growing frustration with stalled US-led efforts to broker a peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia.
On Wednesday, Trump also launched a scathing attack on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, accusing him of prolonging the “killing field” by refusing to surrender the Russia-occupied Crimea Peninsula in 2014 as part of a possible deal, according to a report by Associated Press.
The Ukrainian leader pointed out that Kyiv had agreed to a US-backed ceasefire proposal 44 days ago, but Russia continued its offensive regardless.
The criticism of Trump against Putin is notable as he has repeatedly stated that Russia is more willing than Ukraine to get this deal done. “I thought it might be easier to deal with Zelenskyy,” Trump said on Wednesday. “So far it’s been harder, but that’s OK. It’s all right.”
Donald Trump To Hold Talks With Norwegian Prime Minister
Meanwhile, President Donald Trump is slated to hold talks later Thursday with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, focusing on the Ukraine war, US tariffs, and other global concerns. Norway, a NATO ally and staunch backer of Ukraine, shares a 123-mile (198-kilometer) border with Russia.
On Thursday, Gahr Støre said in a post on social media that he would underline during the talks that “close contact between Norway and the USA is crucial.” “We must contribute to a lasting and just peace in Ukraine,” he added.
French President Emmanuel Macron also weighed in, urging Russian President Vladimir Putin to “stop lying” about wanting peace while continuing military assaults on Ukraine.
“There is only one answer we are waiting for: Does President Putin agree to an unconditional ceasefire?” Macron questioned during a visit to Madagascar. “The Americans’ anger should focus on just one person: President Putin,” Macron added.
The French Foreign Ministry responded cautiously to Donald Trump’s criticism of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy regarding his firm position on Crimea.
According to a European official familiar with the discussions, US representatives had proposed during recent talks in Paris that Russia be permitted to retain control over occupied Ukrainian regions as part of a potential peace agreement. This proposal was reportedly revisited during follow-up discussions on Wednesday involving American, European, and Ukrainian officials.
“The principle of Ukraine’s territorial integrity is not something that can be negotiated,” said Foreign Ministry spokesman Christophe Lemoine. “This was the position taken last week and reiterated yesterday in London in a meeting of a similar format.”
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