Trump Asks Putin To ‘Stop’ After Russian Strikes On Kyiv Kills 12

<p>US President Donald Trump expressed disapproval over the Russian strikes on Kyiv, stating he is “not happy” with the attacks and that President Vladimir Putin should “stop.” However, he did not clarify whether the US would take further action against Russia.</p>
<p>The Thursday attack killed at least 12 people and left dozens more injured, marking the deadliest attack on the Ukrainian capital since July of last year, BBC reported.</p>
<p>Trump said he is “putting a lot of pressure” on both Russia and Ukraine to bring an end to the war, reiterating a campaign promise that he could broker peace between the two nations swiftly.</p>
<p>The strikes is a setback to ongoing efforts aimed at negotiating a deal to end the conflict.</p>
<p>Trump, in a rare criticism of Russian President Vladimir Putin, wrote in a post on Truth Social: “Not necessary, and very bad timing. Vladimir, STOP!”</p>
<p>The attack came amid mounting pressure on Ukraine and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to accept Russian occupation of its territory as part of the negotiation.</p>
<p>Speaking at the White House on Thursday, Trump stressed that he holds “no allegiance to anybody,” asserting that his only loyalty lies in “saving lives.” Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr St&oslash;re was also present.</p>
<p>Although he voiced frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Trump said he would give it a week to “see if we have a deal.” However, he warned that “things will happen” if the bombing campaign does not come to an end, the BBC report said.</p>
<p>Zelenskyy responded to the attacks, saying he felt the US could be more forceful with Russia to reach a ceasefire deal.</p>
<p>”We believe that if more pressure is applied to Russia, we’ll be able to make our positions closer,” said Zelenskyy.</p>
<h3>Zelenskyy Says Russia Must Stop Massive Strikes Against Ukraine</h3>
<p>Responding to whether he would agree to making any concessions, Zelenskyy said the fact that Ukraine is open to negotiating with Russia at all is a “huge compromise” and a “ceasefire must be the first step”.</p>
<p>”If Russia says it is ready to cease fire, it must stop massive strikes against Ukraine. It is Ukrainians who are running out of patience, because it is us who are under attack, and no one else,” he added. Zelenskyy had to cut short his South Africa trip and return home following the recent attack.</p>
<p>Trump on Wednesday claimed a peace deal to end the war was “very close”, but that Zelenskyy’s refusal to accept US terms “will do nothing but prolong” the conflict.</p>
<p>Ukraine has consistently maintained that it will never give up on Crimea, a southern peninsula illegally annexed by Russia in 2014.</p>