Trump to Putin: ‘STOP’ After Deadliest Kyiv Missile Strikes Since Last Summer
Kyiv, Ukraine — Early Thursday morning, Russia discharged a deadly missile and drone strike on the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv. According to Ukrainian officials, about 70 missiles and 145 drones pummeled at least 13 locations across the city— including residential buildings and civilian infrastructure.
Emergency Services report 12 fatalities and 90 injuries— the worst assault on Kyiv since July 2024, when a single barrage killed 33 people. Rescue crews scrambled to reach survivors feared trapped under rubble as fires raged at blast sites. The pre-dawn onslaught sent air raid sirens wailing for hours. It jolted residents awake, shattering a period of relative calm in the capital.
Kyiv Officials React as Attacks Aim to Pressure West
When the strikes transpired, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was abroad on a visit to South Africa. Once he received the news, the president rushed back to Kyiv and urged global leaders to witness the brutal reality of Russia's war.
Zelensky said the wave of missiles was "first and foremost" intended to pressure the United States and its allies, coming amid discussions over international support for Ukraine. The Ukrainian leader also pushed back against calls for premature peace deals.
"The fact that Ukraine is ready to sit down at a negotiating table after a full ceasefire with terrorists… is a big compromise," Zelensky told reporters, stressing that Russia must halt all attacks before any real talks can begin.
He noted that this is a matter of national survival and criticized the lack of "strong pressure against Russia" or new sanctions. In the meantime, Kyiv will urgently contact its partners to bolster air defenses against future attacks.
Trump Urges Ceasefire, Tells Putin to Halt Strikes
President Donald Trump responded with a direct public message to Russian President Vladimir Putin in the aftermath of the Kyiv strikes.
Thursday, April 24 — Trump took to his Truth Social platform to express dismay at the attack and to call for an immediate halt.
"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!"
U.S. President Donald Trump
Trump has been advocating for a ceasefire and negotiations to end the conflict, which is now in its third year. Speaking at the White House later in the day, he acknowledged the bitterness between Ukraine and Russia. He insisted that "they both want to make peace" and must come to the negotiating table.
Trump indicates his administration is working on a peace deal proposal in attempt to broker discussions between Kyiv and Moscow. This push for diplomacy has raised concern from Ukrainian officials, who continue to fear pressure to concede to Russian demands before security is assured. So far, Kyiv has stood firm that no peace talks can proceed until Russia completely stops its attacks and withdraws from occupied territories.
International Community Condemns Russian Strikes
French President Emmanuel Macron strongly denounced the strikes, accusing Putin of duplicity. "Putin says, 'I want peace' and continues to bomb and kill in Ukraine," Macron remarked during a visit to Madagascar, calling on Moscow to "stop lying." The French leader stressed that there is only one aggressor – Russia – and one victim – Ukraine, emphasizing that global outrage should be directed squarely at Putin.
Other Western officials supported Macron's claims by regarding the attack as a blatant targeting of civilians and another violation of international law. The United Nations and European leaders renewed calls for Russia to cease its assaults on populated areas.
Even amid growing global pressure, the Kremlin defended its actions. Russia's defense ministry claimed it had carried out "a massive strike" on Ukrainian military-linked industries and that "all targets were hit" as intended.
Thursday's violence in the capital has now drawn an unprecedented direct appeal from Washington's highest office to Moscow. As Ukraine mourns the victims and cleans up the destruction, the world is watching to see if Putin will heed Trump's urgent message to 'STOP' and whether any diplomatic opening can emerge to silence the guns at last.