Former President Donald Trump broke from his usual tone toward Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday, calling on the Kremlin to halt deadly attacks on Kyiv, in what marked a rare moment of public criticism from the former U.S. leader.
“I am not happy with the Russian strikes on KYIV. Not necessary, and very bad timing. Vladimir, STOP! 5000 soldiers a week are dying,” Trump posted on his Truth Social platform. “Let’s get the Peace Deal DONE!”
The statement came just hours after Russia launched a prolonged and deadly missile and drone assault on Ukraine’s capital, killing at least nine people and injuring over 70 in what officials described as the most severe attack on the city since July of last year.
Trump’s remarks highlight growing frustration as diplomatic efforts between the U.S., Russia, and Ukraine have stalled. A renewed push for a peace agreement has seen little progress, despite U.S.-led initiatives aimed at bringing both sides to the negotiating table.
Trump has long touted his ability to broker a peace deal in Ukraine, often criticizing the Biden administration and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for what he sees as an unwillingness to compromise. On Wednesday, Trump openly accused Zelensky of extending the conflict by refusing to cede Crimea—a peninsula annexed by Russia in 2014 and currently under Russian occupation.
“I thought it might be easier to deal with Zelensky,” Trump told reporters. “So far it’s been harder, but that’s OK.”
Zelensky, however, has consistently drawn a red line at any proposal that recognizes Russian control over Ukrainian territory. On Thursday, he stated that Ukraine had already agreed to a U.S.-backed ceasefire proposal more than six weeks ago but said Russian attacks had persisted since then.
While Trump has previously praised Putin’s negotiating posture, saying the Russian leader “has the cards” in the conflict, Thursday’s message signals a potential shift. His administration has otherwise taken a more cooperative tone with Moscow, and Trump has expressed admiration for Putin on several occasions.
Later Thursday, Trump is scheduled to meet with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre to discuss the war, trade issues, and transatlantic cooperation. Norway, a NATO ally with a shared border with Russia, has been a vocal supporter of Ukraine throughout the war.
Gahr Støre said he would emphasize the importance of close U.S.-Norway relations and advocate for “a lasting and just peace in Ukraine.”
Meanwhile, the White House confirmed that Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, is in Moscow this week for continued talks with Russian officials—marking his fourth visit since Trump returned to office in January.
