‘Vladimir, STOP’ : Trump Urges Putin to Halt Attacks After Deadly Strike on Kyiv

Kyiv endured its most devastating aerial assault of the year as Russian missiles and drones struck the Ukrainian capital overnight, killing at least 12 people and injuring nearly 90. The escalation drew an uncharacteristically blunt response from U.S. President Donald Trump, who issued a direct appeal to Russian President Vladimir Putin, stating: “Vladimir, STOP!”

Speaking at the White House, Trump said his administration is exerting “a lot of pressure” on Moscow and criticized the timing and necessity of the strike, calling it a serious setback to ongoing peace efforts.

Despite the violence, Trump said peace negotiations are advancing, highlighting what he described as a “significant concession” from the Kremlin, which he claimed is showing a willingness to consider halting the war and withdrawing from its push to occupy all of Ukraine.

“These next few days are crucial,” Trump said. “There are ongoing meetings. I believe a deal is within reach… We’re getting very close.”

He also noted that the U.S. is urging both Kyiv and Moscow to move forward in the peace process.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that further negotiations are scheduled for the weekend and stressed that both sides must intensify efforts to reach an agreement.

Following consultations with Trump, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said Ukraine is engaging constructively. “There’s a proposal on the table,” he said. “Ukraine is making an effort, and now the decision is up to Russia.”

The missile and drone barrage, which Ukrainian officials say also caused fires and widespread damage to residential areas, came at a pivotal moment in efforts to end the conflict that began with Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022. Emergency teams continued rescue operations more than 12 hours after the initial strike, with reports of mobile phones still ringing under debris.

On social media, Trump posted a message: “I am not happy with the Russian strikes on KYIV. Not necessary, and very bad timing. Vladimir, STOP! 5000 soldiers a week are dying. Let’s get the Peace Deal DONE!”

Trump warned that the U.S. may pull back from its diplomatic role if progress isn’t made soon. He also criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, particularly for refusing to consider compromises over Crimea. Trump has adopted a noticeably softer tone toward Putin, while calling Zelensky a “dictator” in earlier comments.

A U.S. envoy is expected to meet with Russian officials on Friday as part of continued dialogue. Meanwhile, Rubio canceled his participation in talks between American, Ukrainian, and European representatives in London due to frustration over Ukraine’s stance on Crimea. Trump acknowledged on Thursday that regaining Crimea would be “very difficult” for Ukraine.

Despite the setback, the London talks proceeded in a reduced format, and Zelensky said a new proposal that emerged there had been submitted to Trump.

Zelensky, who cut short a trip to South Africa to respond to the attacks, expressed doubt about Washington’s claims of mounting pressure on Moscow. When asked if Putin would heed his appeal to stop the strikes, Trump replied, “I do.”

Rescue Operations Ongoing in Kyiv

Emergency crews were deployed across 13 locations in Kyiv, using sniffer dogs and climbing teams to search for survivors. Authorities reported that 40 fires were ignited by the overnight barrage.

The Russian Defense Ministry claimed it had conducted a large-scale strike targeting Ukraine’s defense industry using high-precision weapons launched by air, sea, and land.

Kyiv military administration chief Tymur Tkachenko confirmed 12 deaths, while residents described terrifying moments as explosions shattered windows and tore through buildings. “We didn’t even have time to get dressed,” said resident Viktoria Bakal. “The blasts threw my husband and son across the room.”

Zelensky posted on X that preliminary information suggested Russia used a North Korean-made ballistic missile in the attack. Ukrainian sources said the missile, identified as a KN-23 or KN-23A, struck a residential building in the Sviatoshynskyi district of western Kyiv.

Ukraine’s air force said that 145 drones and 70 missiles, including 11 ballistic missiles, were launched in the attack, with 112 aerial threats intercepted.

Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko reported that eight regions, including Kyiv, were hit by the strike. Additional damage was confirmed in the cities of Kharkiv, Zhytomyr, and Pavlohrad.

In Washington, Ukraine’s finance minister said talks with the U.S. on a critical minerals agreement are progressing, though the deal is not expected to be finalized this week.