In a rare public rebuke, former President Donald Trump on Thursday urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to “STOP!” after a deadly missile and drone attack on Kyiv killed at least 12 people. Posting on Truth Social, Trump called the strikes “not necessary” and criticized their timing, adding, “5000 soldiers a week are dying. Let’s get the Peace Deal DONE!”
The Russian assault marked the deadliest attack on Ukraine’s capital since July and came amid ongoing efforts, led in part by the U.S., to broker a peace agreement. Trump’s post followed criticism of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy the previous day, blaming him for prolonging the war by refusing to cede Crimea—illegally annexed by Russia in 2014—as part of a deal.
During a meeting with Norway’s Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, Trump reiterated that Crimea was taken without conflict under President Obama and implied Russia was making concessions by halting its advance. However, Ukraine and its European allies reject any peace deal that concedes territory, asserting that Russia’s aggression must not be rewarded.
French President Emmanuel Macron also weighed in, saying Putin should “stop lying” about wanting peace while continuing attacks.
Meanwhile, Trump’s administration continues quiet diplomacy, with Special Envoy Steve Witkoff set to meet with Putin in Moscow for a fourth round of talks, as NATO officials also ramp up discussions on defense and spending.
