Trump urges Putin to stop Kyiv attacks

President Donald Trump criticized Vladimir Putin for the first time on Thursday, telling him to “STOP!” following a deadly volley of attacks on Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine.

“The Russian strikes on KYIV have saddened me. Not required, and the timing is terrible. Stop it, Vladimir! Trump claimed on Truth Social that 5,000 soldiers are losing their lives every week. “Let’s complete the peace agreement!”

Russia bombarded Kyiv with drones and missiles for hours. It was the bloodiest attack on the city since last July, with at least 12 people killed and 90 injured.

A U.S.-led peace initiative has stalled, which has exacerbated Trump’s displeasure. He attacked Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Wednesday, saying that by refusing to cede the Crimea Peninsula to Russia, he was extending the war.

According to Zelenskyy, Ukraine will not recognize captured land as Russian. He pointed out that although Moscow’s strikes have persisted, Ukraine accepted a ceasefire proposal from the United States forty-four days ago.

Trump told reporters, “I thought it might be easier to deal with Zelenskyy.” “It’s been more difficult so far, but that’s okay.”

Trump has emphasized leverage in the talks, often stating that Putin holds “the cards,” while the new Republican administration has taken a more cooperative tone toward Russia.

Diplomatic Moves and NATO Response

Later Thursday, Trump will meet with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre to talk about U.S. tariffs, the crisis in Ukraine, and other matters. Norway, a NATO member and ardent supporter of Ukraine, borders Russia by 123 km.

“We need to help bring about a fair and sustainable peace in Ukraine,” Gahr Støre stated.

In response to Putin’s assertions that he desired peace, French President Emmanuel Macron said:

“We are only awaiting one response: Will President Putin consent to an unconditional ceasefire?”

The French Foreign Ministry pushed back on Trump’s criticism of Zelenskyy. A spokesman reiterated:

“The principle of Ukraine’s territorial integrity is not something that can be negotiated.”

Continued Peace Talks and NATO Pressure
The White House declared that Steve Witkoff, Trump’s special envoy, will travel to Moscow this week for a fourth round of negotiations with Putin.

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte met with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth Thursday. Rutte also scheduled meetings with National Security Adviser Michael Waltz and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

In two months, the 32-member NATO alliance’s leaders will gather in the Netherlands. Trump has called on allies to increase defense budgets.

“We must greatly step up our efforts in 2025 to guarantee that NATO continues to be a vital source of military advantage,” Rutte stated.

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