Kyiv was the target of an extensive Russian aerial offensive that included missiles and drones for several hours, leaving at least 12 dead and 90 wounded, becoming the most serious attack on the Ukrainian capital since July of last year.
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Russia’s attack seems to have tested Donald Trump’s patience, who during the recent presidential campaign promised to end the war in Ukraine in “24 hours” as soon as he took office.
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The Republican took office over 100 days ago and his diplomatic efforts, where he has been more critical of Ukrainian Volodymyr Zelenskyy than of Russian Vladimir Putin, have not yielded good results.
What did Trump say about the Russian attack on Kyiv?
This Thursday, Trump made an unusual public criticism against Putin in the face of the deadly attacks on Kiev and urged the Russian president to stop the violence in Ukraine.
“I am not happy with the Russian strikes on KYIV. Not necessary, and very bad timing. Vladimir, STOP! 5000 soldiers a week are dying,” wrote Trump, adding: “Lets get the Peace Deal DONE!”.
Trump’s critical stance arises in a context of increasing frustration over the failure of diplomatic attempts to end the conflict.
On Wednesday, Trump also targeted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, whom he blamed for prolonging the conflict. According to Trump, the Ukrainian president’s refusal to cede Crimea, territory illegally annexed by Russia in 2014, hinders negotiations. “I thought it would be easier to deal with Zelenskyy,” Trump commented to the press. “So far it has been more difficult, but that’s okay. It’s no big deal.”
Zelenskyy has repeatedly stated that recognizing Russian sovereignty over the occupied territories is not an option for his government. The Ukrainian president indicated this Thursday that his country accepted a ceasefire proposal promoted by the United States over six weeks ago, but he denounced that Russian attacks have persisted.
Macron also criticizes Russia
Emmanuel Macron also spoke out against the recent actions of the Kremlin. During an official visit to Madagascar, the President of France questioned the sincerity of the Russian president regarding his intentions to achieve peace. "Putin should stop lying," he said. “We only expect one answer: Is President Putin in agreement with an unconditional ceasefire?”
The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs also expressed caution regarding Trump’s statements about Zelenskyy. Christophe Lemoine, spokesperson for the ministry, reaffirmed France’s commitment to the territorial integrity of Ukraine. “That principle is non-negotiable,” he said, referring to recent discussions held in Paris and London with representatives from the United States, Europe, and Ukraine.
Asked about Trump’s accusations pointing to Ukraine as an obstacle to peace, Lemoine emphasized that Kiev has shown willingness to negotiate, while Russia continues its offensives. “We rather have the impression that it is the Russians who are slowing down the talks,” he stated.
The White House reported that President Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, will travel to Moscow to participate in a new round of talks with Putin.