U.S. President Donald Trump issued a direct plea to Russian President Vladimir Putin to cease military strikes on Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, following a devastating Russian attack that killed at least 12 people and injured over 100 on April 24, 2025.
Speaking from the White House on April 24, Trump expressed frustration over the escalation, stating, “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!” The remarks, reported by Reuters and ABC News, came amid intensifying negotiations to end the Russia-Ukraine war, now in its third year, as the U.S. pushes both sides toward a resolution.
The Kyiv attack, described by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as one of the war’s “most intense and brazen,” involved a barrage of attack drones and ballistic missiles, including a North Korean-manufactured missile, according to preliminary Ukrainian intelligence cited by Zelenskyy. The strikes targeted residential areas, damaging buildings and prompting rescue operations that continued into Thursday, April 24, per the Kyiv City Military Administration. Ukrainian officials accused Russia of undermining peace talks, with the Foreign Ministry stating, “These attacks are yet another confirmation—Russia is not seeking peace.” Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov defended the strikes, claiming they targeted “military and near-military” sites, as reported by ABC News.
Trump’s intervention reflects a broader U.S. strategy to broker a ceasefire, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Special Presidential Envoy Keith Kellogg engaging European partners in Paris on April 24 to advance talks, according to the U.S. Department of State. Trump told reporters that “significant progress” had been made, citing Russia’s openness to halting territorial ambitions in Ukraine as a “pretty big concession.” He added that the next few days would be critical, with further meetings planned over the weekend. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, speaking to CBS News’ “Face the Nation” on April 24, acknowledged progress but noted that “specific points need fine-tuning,” per Reuters.
The U.S. has pressured both Kyiv and Moscow, with Trump accusing Zelenskyy of prolonging the conflict and setting a “deadline” for a deal, as reported by ABC News. Zelenskyy, who cut short a South Africa visit to return to Ukraine, condemned the use of North Korean weaponry, calling it evidence of a “criminal alliance” between Russia and Pyongyang. The White House warned it may abandon mediation efforts if no agreement is reached soon, a stance Rubio reiterated, per Reuters. The conflict has claimed thousands of lives weekly, with Ukraine reporting 70 missiles and 150 drones in the latest assault.
The peace talks face challenges, including Russia’s demand for territorial concessions and Ukraine’s insistence on sovereignty. Analysts note that Trump’s public appeal to Putin, while unusual, aligns with his deal-making approach but risks escalating tensions if unmet. The U.S. continues to provide military aid to Ukraine, though Trump has emphasized a swift resolution over prolonged support. As negotiations unfold, the world watches Kyiv, where mourning was declared on April 25, hoping for an end to the bloodshed.
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