US President Donald Trump broke his usual silence on Russia’s military actions, issuing a sharp rebuke to President Vladimir Putin following a devastating missile and drone attack on Kyiv that left at least nine dead and over 70 wounded.
Posting on his Truth Social platform, Trump wrote, “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 statement marks one of the rare occasions he has directly criticised the Russian leader.
The Ukrainian capital was rocked by an intense overnight bombardment, lasting nearly 11 hours—the deadliest on the city since July of last year.
The assault came at a pivotal moment, as international efforts to broker peace were reportedly gaining momentum.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who had been on an official visit to South Africa, announced he was cutting the trip short and returning to Kyiv.
He condemned the strike as “one of the most outrageous” in Russia’s ongoing invasion and vowed a strong response.
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According to the Ukrainian Air Force, Russia launched an overwhelming wave of attacks across Kyiv and four other regions, firing 66 ballistic and cruise missiles, four air-launched missiles, and deploying 145 Shahed drones and decoys.
Emergency responders worked through the night, navigating rubble and damaged buildings by flashlight, while sirens and emergency lights lit up the darkened streets of the battered city.
