Trump Urges Putin to ‘Stop’ as Russia Unleashes Deadliest Strikes on Kyiv Since Last Summer

In a troubling escalation, President Trump expressed his frustration over Russia’s recent attacks on Kyiv, calling for peace. His plea comes as tensions rise between the U.S. and Russia amidst a fierce wave of missile strikes on Ukraine. Over the course of a single day, Russia launched 70 missiles and 145 drones at various targets, predominantly in the Ukrainian capital.

President Trump took to Truth Social to voice his discontent, emphasizing the tragic toll of human life, stating that thousands of soldiers die each week. He urged Putin to cease the attacks and pushed for urgent peace negotiations. “Not necessary, and very bad timing,” he said, referring to the violence.

The strikes on Kyiv resulted in at least eight confirmed deaths, with many more potentially trapped under the debris of collapsed buildings. Emergency services reported significant damage, hitting 13 sites including residential areas and essential infrastructure. This latest bombardment marks the deadliest series of attacks since July 2024, when a shocking assault claimed 33 lives.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky shared his perspective during a trip to South Africa, stating that these attacks are aimed at pressuring the United States. He underlined Ukraine’s readiness for negotiations, stressing the need for a full ceasefire. “The fact that Ukraine is ready to sit down at a negotiating table after a full ceasefire with terrorists … is a big compromise,” he noted.

According to monitoring groups, air raid sirens blared across Kyiv for hours, forcing residents into corridors and shelters. Many families, including children, faced the terrifying sound of missiles overhead. One local resident, Iryna Dzen, described the chaos: “You wake up at night from an explosion. You don’t know if your loved ones are safe.”

Rescue operations continue as emergency responders sift through rubble, searching for those who might still be trapped. Authorities emphasized the importance of careful recovery methods, fearing further tragedy if equipment was used too hastily.

This barrage of attacks also follows heightened diplomatic tensions between the U.S., Ukraine, and Russia. Trump has expressed that Zelensky’s position against Russian control of Crimea is detrimental to peace talks. He claimed that Zelensky’s statements hinder negotiations, labeling them “inflammatory.” Meanwhile, Vice President JD Vance has hinted at a potential withdrawal from negotiations, stating a clear proposal had been made to both Ukraine and Russia.

Historical context plays a significant role here. The annexation of Crimea by Russia in 2014 remains a critical point of contention and illustrates the long-standing conflicts over territorial integrity in the region. This was not merely a tactical maneuver; it changed the landscape of international relations and set the stage for continued discord.

A review of recent trends shows that the ongoing conflict has escalated fears among citizens, mirrored by heightened social media discussions on platforms like X (formerly Twitter). Users share their experiences and support for Ukraine, often using the hashtag #StandWithUkraine to express solidarity. And while many call for peace, the actions of powerful nations like the U.S. and Russia continue to impact everyday lives in Ukraine profoundly.

The path forward remains uncertain, with diplomatic efforts still in a state of flux. Zelensky reiterated the need for global awareness about the realities of war, calling on international partners for stronger air defenses to protect against these ongoing threats.

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