In a rare public criticism of Moscow, U.S. President Donald Trump called on Russian President Vladimir Putin to stop a deadly airstrike campaign on Ukraine. “Vladimir, STOP!” he wrote in a post on Truth Social, following a Russian assault on Kyiv that killed 12 people, including two children, and injured at least 90.
The strike on the Ukrainian capital was the most severe attack of the year, with waves of drones, ballistic, and guided missiles raining down in the early hours of Thursday. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko confirmed rescuers found three bodies and pulled one survivor from the rubble. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy identified two of the victims as siblings, 21-year-old Nikita and 19-year-old Sofia.
The bombardment also targeted Kharkiv and other cities, sparking fires and widespread destruction. In Kharkiv alone, at least seven missiles and 12 kamikaze drones hit residential areas, injuring several people and damaging buildings.
Trump, who has repeatedly promised to end the war within 24 hours of taking office, said he is pushing for a peace deal, reportedly favoring Russia’s terms, including recognizing its 2014 annexation of Crimea—a position Zelenskyy firmly rejects.
Speaking to reporters, Trump said, “I have my own deadline,” hinting at a possible ceasefire agreement before his 100th day in office. He claimed that pressuring Russia not to pursue full control of Ukraine would be a “pretty big concession.”
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told CBS News that Moscow is ready to reach a deal with the U.S., though some terms still need to be negotiated.
In response to the latest attack, Zelenskyy announced he would return early from a trip to South Africa, citing the urgency of the situation. “It has been 44 days since Ukraine agreed to a full ceasefire … And it has been 44 days of Russia continuing to kill our people,” he said on X (formerly Twitter).
Ukrainian officials say Russia is using airstrikes to cover for increased ground offensives. Zelenskyy accused Russia of firing a North Korean KN-23 ballistic missile at a Kyiv apartment block, a claim supported by video footage showing a direct hit and explosion.
Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko reported ongoing rescue operations, with mobile phones ringing under the debris and two children still unaccounted for. Kyiv residents took shelter in subway stations during the attack.
Critics in Ukraine expressed frustration over what they see as Trump’s one-sided peace push. Olga Rudenko, editor of the Kyiv Independent, posted: “It’s surreal to be under heavy missile attack while reading U.S. demands for Ukraine to surrender.” Others pointed to the Kremlin’s continued aggression as proof that Russia isn’t interested in peace.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga called Russia’s demands and brutal attacks the true barrier to peace. “Pressure should be on Moscow, not Kyiv,” he said. “Only strength and pressure will stop Putin’s aggression.”
Meanwhile, Washington is reportedly resisting Russia’s call for Ukraine to demilitarize as part of any peace deal. U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff is expected to reinforce Ukraine’s right to self-defense in upcoming negotiations.
Thursday’s attack follows a relative lull in missile strikes on Kyiv. The city was last hit in early April. The ongoing violence has left Ukrainians deeply skeptical of Russia’s intentions—and increasingly wary of international pressure for concessions.
