U.S. President Donald Trump speaks to reporters at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., April 23, 2025.Kevin Lamarque | Reuters

Trump tells Putin to ‘STOP!' Russian strikes on Kyiv

by · 5 NBCDFW
  • President Donald Trump called on Russian President Vladimir Putin to halt devastating missile and drone attacks on the Ukrainian capital Kyiv.
  • "Vladimir, STOP!" Trump wrote in a Truth Social post.
  • "Russia continues to kill people and avoid tough pressure and accountability for this," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

President Donald Trump on Thursday criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin for deadly missile and drone attacks on the Ukrainian capital Kyiv that came after the U.S. leader suggested that Russia was "ready" for a peace deal.

"I am not happy with the Russian strikes on KYIV," Trump wrote in a Truth Social post, after Russia launched what was one of the most damaging attacks on a major Ukrainian city since it invaded its neighbor more than three years ago.

"Not necessary, and very bad timing," Trump wrote. "Vladimir, STOP!"

"5000 soldiers a week are dying. Lets get the Peace Deal DONE!"

Trump's message to Putin came a day after the American president said he believed "Russia is ready" for a peace deal with Ukraine.

In this pool photograph distributed by the Russian state agency Sputnik, Russia's President Vladimir Putin chairs a videoconference meeting on economic issues at the Novo-Ogaryovo state residence outside Moscow on April 24, 2025. In this pool photograph distributed by the Russian state agency Sputnik, Russia's President Vladimir Putin chairs a videoconference meeting on economic issues at the Novo-Ogaryovo state residence outside Moscow on April 24, 2025.Vyacheslav Prokofyev | Afp | Getty Images

"I think we have a deal with Russia," Trump told reporters at the White House on Wednesday.

Trump suggested that the holdup in getting that deal was Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, whom he had accused in a social media post of making "inflammatory statements."

"We have to get a deal with Zelenskyy," Trump said in the Oval Office. "I thought it might be easier to deal with Zelenskyy. So far, it's been harder."

Hours after those comments, Russia unleashed its attack on Kyiv, leaving at least eight people dead and 70 injured.

Ukrainian rescuers operate at the site of a Russian missile attack in Kyiv on April 24, 2025, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Ukrainian rescuers operate at the site of a Russian missile attack in Kyiv on April 24, 2025, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine.Genya Savilov | Afp | Getty Images

CNBC has requested comment from the Russian Embassy in Washington, D.C., on Trump's post.

Trump's special envoy for Ukraine and Russia, retired Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg, told NBC News on Thursday morning that peace "talks in London yesterday were candid, constructive and productive."

Zelenskyy said earlier Thursday that he was cutting short a visit to South Africa to return home because of the attacks.

"Russia continues to kill people and avoid tough pressure and accountability for this," Zelenskyy said Thursday.

"Unfortunately, there is a lot of destruction. Rescue operations are ongoing, the rubble of buildings is being cleared."

(EDITORS NOTE: Image depicts death) Medics stand near the body of a deceased person covered with a black tarp on April 24, 2025 in Kyiv, Ukraine. In the early morning, Russia has launched a mass combined attack on the Ukrainian capital, and other cities of Ukraine. (EDITORS NOTE: Image depicts death) Medics stand near the body of a deceased person covered with a black tarp on April 24, 2025 in Kyiv, Ukraine. In the early morning, Russia has launched a mass combined attack on the Ukrainian capital, and other cities of Ukraine.Global Images Ukraine | Getty Images

Also on CNBC

Subscribe to the CNBC YouTube Channel

Morning Squawk Newsletter