U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed frustration over deadly Russian missile strikes on Kyiv that killed at least 12 people and injured dozens more. In a rare rebuke of Russian President Vladimir Putin, Trump took to Truth Social to write: “Not necessary, and very bad timing. Vladimir, STOP!” The attack, which occurred overnight into Thursday, marked the deadliest assault on the Ukrainian capital since July last year.
Trump, speaking alongside Norway’s Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre at the White House, said he is “not happy” with the attacks and emphasized his commitment to “saving lives,” asserting he has “no allegiance to anybody.” While he promised to apply pressure on both Russia and Ukraine to end the war, he declined to outline specific retaliatory measures, instead stating he would “wait a week to see if we have a deal.”
The strike further complicated efforts to negotiate a peace deal between the two countries. Trump, who previously claimed he could quickly end the war, has recently advocated for Ukraine to consider territorial concessions an idea Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky firmly rejects.
Zelensky, cutting short a diplomatic visit to South Africa, responded by calling for greater U.S. pressure on Russia, insisting a ceasefire must be the first step in any peace process. “If Russia says it is ready to cease fire, it must stop massive strikes against Ukraine,” he stated, adding that Ukraine’s willingness to negotiate is already a “huge compromise.”
Tensions between the U.S. and Ukraine have grown following Trump’s re-election and Vice President JD Vance’s suggestion of freezing the current territorial lines, which would effectively legitimise Russia’s control over annexed areas, including Crimea. Recognising Russia’s sovereignty over Crimea would be politically untenable for Zelensky and contrary to international norms.
Zelensky’s visit to South Africa, during which he met President Cyril Ramaphosa, reflects Ukraine’s strategic pivot towards Africa. Ramaphosa reiterated his commitment to facilitating dialogue between all parties, noting South Africa’s non-aligned position as a strength in the peace process.
As the violence escalates, international calls for a ceasefire grow louder but meaningful progress remains uncertain.
