On April 24, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump publicly told Russian President Vladimir Putin to stop his attacks on Ukraine. This came after a deadly missile and drone strike on Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine, which killed at least 12 people and injured 90 others — making it one of the worst attacks in months.
Trump’s message, posted on social media, said:
“I am not happy with the Russian strikes. Not necessary, and very bad timing. Vladimir, STOP!”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had to cut short a visit to South Africa to deal with the aftermath. He asked Ukraine’s allies to put more pressure on Russia to stop the war. The strike included missiles believed to be from North Korea.
When asked what Russia had offered to end the war, Trump said:
“Stopping taking the whole country — pretty big concession.”
Russia started its invasion of Ukraine in 2022, expecting a quick win, but it has turned into a long and bloody war with heavy losses on both sides.
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Trump also blamed Zelenskyy for slowing peace talks because Ukraine refuses to give up Crimea — a region Russia took over in 2014. Trump said Crimea was “lost years ago.” However, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte disagreed, saying Russia must make the next move toward peace.
Trump’s peace negotiator, Steve Witkoff, is expected to visit Russia soon to continue ceasefire talks.
Despite the many air attacks since the war began, Kyiv has usually been safer due to strong air defenses. But in this recent attack, over 70 missiles and 145 drones were launched by Russia overnight.
The Ukrainian air force said the main target was Kyiv, especially the Sviatoshinsky district in the west. Emergency services confirmed the rising death toll and shared that many were injured or trapped in buildings.
Russia claimed it targeted military factories making rocket fuel and gunpowder. But local witnesses described the horror of broken windows, collapsed doors, and people being pulled from debris.
One woman in Kyiv, lawyer Olena Davydiuk, said,
“Windows shattered and doors flew off. People were pulled out from under rubble.”
An AFP reporter saw victims being mourned in the streets, with families in shock.
Zelenskyy questioned if Ukraine’s allies were doing enough to pressure Russia, saying:
“I don’t see any strong pressure or new sanctions against Russia.”
Also See: Why Zelenskyy Refused Putin’s ‘Peace’ Offer—The Shocking Truth!
Earlier this month, a similar Russian missile attack on the city of Sumy killed at least 35 people, showing that deadly strikes continue even as peace talks are being discussed.
In short, Ukraine is still suffering under heavy attacks, while leaders argue over how to bring the war to an end.
