In a rare direct message, Trump tells Putin to halt the Ukraine assault after Russia launches deadly missile and drone strikes on Kyiv, killing 12 and injuring 90.
A Shocking Appeal from Trump to Putin
“Vladimir, STOP!” That was the bold message former U.S. President Donald Trump shared online following a devastating Russian strike on Kyiv. It’s not every day you see Trump publicly pressuring Russian President Vladimir Putin—but after a brutal aerial assault killed 12 people in Ukraine’s capital, the former president broke his silence.
In a war that’s now stretching into its third year, the recent attack on Kyiv is one of the deadliest in months, rattling both Ukraine and the international community.
Why This Matters
So, why is this headline grabbing so much attention?
• High Civilian Toll: 12 dead, 90 wounded. The attack targeted residential areas, with horrifying scenes of people being pulled from rubble.
• Rare Trump Rebuke: Trump rarely criticizes Putin this directly. His public statement is a notable shift.
• Peace Talks in Jeopardy: With ceasefire negotiations reportedly underway, this latest strike complicates diplomacy.
The attack is a grim reminder of how quickly the situation in Ukraine can escalate—and why the world is still watching closely.
The Build-Up to the Blast
Late Wednesday night into Thursday morning, air raid sirens wailed across Kyiv. Russia launched more than 70 missiles and 145 drones, mostly aimed at Ukraine’s capital, according to Ukraine’s air force.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who was on a diplomatic trip in South Africa, rushed back home to deal with the aftermath. He claimed that Russia even used a North Korean ballistic missile in the strike—raising fresh concerns about international weapons support to Moscow.
“People were being pulled out of the rubble,” one Kyiv resident told AFP.
In the Sviatoshinsky district, an AFP journalist reported grim scenes of victims’ bodies being recovered amid broken glass and crumbling concrete.
Trump’s Take: From Criticism to Negotiation
Donald Trump didn’t hold back. On his social media platform, he called the strikes “not necessary” and “bad timing,” urging Putin to pull back.
Reporters later asked Trump about possible Russian concessions in peace talks. His answer?
“Stopping taking the whole country — pretty big concession.”
Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, is expected in Moscow this week for another round of ceasefire negotiations. But Trump’s recent dig at Zelenskyy—accusing him of blocking peace by refusing to give up Crimea—raised eyebrows globally.
Meanwhile, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte emphasized that it’s Russia, not Ukraine, that needs to take meaningful steps forward.
“The balls are clearly in the Russian court now,” Rutte said after a meeting with Trump at the White House.
Global Reactions & US Stakes
This isn’t just a Ukrainian crisis—it’s a global concern. The U.S. continues to push for a ceasefire, but its influence is being tested.
• Zelenskyy’s Frustration: He criticized Western allies for not doing enough. “I don’t see any strong pressure on Russia or any new sanctions,” he said.
• Missed Peace Opportunity? The use of long-range missiles in such urban centers threatens to derail any progress made in back-channel negotiations.
The attack also raises security and foreign policy questions for the U.S. in an election year, especially with Trump positioning himself as a peace broker.
What Could Happen Next?
Here’s what to watch:
• Will Trump Push for a Ceasefire Deal? With his envoy in Moscow, pressure is on to show diplomatic results.
• Will Kyiv’s Allies Increase Sanctions on Russia? Zelenskyy is calling for tougher responses.
• Could More Strikes Follow? With Russia stepping up attacks recently, Kyiv could face more deadly nights.
The world is walking a tightrope. One wrong move, and things could spiral into deeper conflict.
Final Thoughts
Trump’s unexpected rebuke of Putin was dramatic—but will it make a difference?
Ukraine is still reeling from the latest attack, and the calls for peace seem to be growing more urgent. Whether diplomacy wins or not might just depend on what happens in the next few weeks.
What do you think? Will Trump’s message have any impact? Let us know in the comments.
Related Articles from Daily News Motion:
• Trump Demands Putin Act Now to End Ukraine Bloodshed
• Russia Accused of Using North Korean Missiles in Ukraine Strike
• Will Trump Broker Peace in Ukraine? Here’s What We Know
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