Russian forces launched a devastating missile attack on Ukraine’s capital, killing at least nine people. The strike prompted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to cut short his African tour and return home.
Trump Speaks Out
Former US President Donald Trump took to Truth Social to condemn Russian President Vladimir Putin, calling the attack “unnecessary and highly inappropriate.” Trump urged Putin to stop the violence, citing the significant loss of Russian lives – around 5,000 soldiers per week.
Trump also pressured Ukraine to compromise on territorial demands to facilitate peace talks. He claimed that without Ukraine’s willingness to relinquish some land, negotiations would be futile.
Russia-Ukraine Peace Talks Stall
Despite recent optimism about a potential peace agreement, talks between Russia and Ukraine have yet to yield concrete results. Trump had previously criticized Ukrainian leaders for refusing to cede Crimea, a move he believes is necessary for a deal.
Trump’s latest statement marks a shift in his approach, as he directly confronted Putin for the first time in months. His team continues to push Ukraine to accept US-backed conditions, warning that failure to comply might lead to a withdrawal of support.
The international community remains watchful as the conflict persists, with many calling for a peaceful resolution to the crisis.