U.S. President Donald Trump expressed his disapproval after Russia launched its deadliest attack on Kyiv in nine months, urging President Vladimir Putin to “STOP!” as he continues to pressure Ukraine into accepting a controversial ceasefire proposal.
Russia unleashed 70 missiles and 145 drones, primarily targeting Kyiv, in what Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky described as an attempt to influence the United States.
“I’m not happy with the Russian strikes on KYIV. Completely unnecessary, and the timing couldn’t be worse. Vladimir, STOP! 5,000 soldiers are dying each week. Let’s finalize the Peace Deal!” Trump posted on Truth Social Wednesday.
At least eight people were confirmed dead, with more potentially trapped beneath debris. Emergency services reported that Moscow’s strikes hit 13 locations in Kyiv, including residential areas and civilian infrastructure. Earlier reports suggested nine fatalities and over 60 injuries.
This marks the most devastating attack on Kyiv since July 2024, when 33 people were killed in an aerial assault targeting hospitals and residential zones.
Speaking during a visit to South Africa, Zelensky emphasized that the bombardment was primarily intended to put pressure on the U.S. He pushed back against Trump’s push for concessions, stating, “Ukraine agreeing to negotiate after a full ceasefire with terrorists is already a significant compromise.”
Russia’s defense ministry claimed responsibility for a “massive strike” using high-precision long-range weapons from air, land, sea, and drones. The targets included facilities in Ukraine’s aviation, missile, space, and defense manufacturing sectors, as well as rocket fuel and gunpowder production sites. “All objectives were successfully hit,” the ministry said.
Ukrainian authorities confirmed that search and rescue operations are ongoing to locate people trapped under the rubble.
In response to the attacks, Zelensky announced he would cut short his visit to South Africa and return to Ukraine. “It’s crucial that the world sees and understands what’s really happening,” he said, adding that Ukraine will immediately engage with international allies to reinforce its air defenses.