Stop strikes, Trump tells Putin
Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Thursday he would cut short an official visit to South Africa because of the attack on Kyiv. He still held a planned meeting with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa
Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told reporters that it was becoming clearer by the minute that Zelenskyy lacked the capacity to negotiate a deal to end the war
Zelenskyy cuts short South Africa visit
Russia pounded Kyiv with missiles and drones overnight, killing at least 12 people in the biggest attack on the Ukrainian capital this year and drawing rare condemnation from US President Donald Trump, who told Vladimir Putin: “Vladimir, STOP!”
The attack, which the US President said was “not necessary” and “very bad timing” as he pushes for peace, wounded 90 people, smashed buildings and set off fires, Ukrainian officials said.
Some people were still trapped under rubble over 12 hours later.
The attack comes at a critical moment in Russia’s war in Ukraine, which began with Moscow’s full-scale invasion in 2022.
Both Kyiv and Moscow are trying to show Trump that they are making progress towards his goal of a rapid peace deal.
“I am not happy with the Russian strikes on KYIV. Not necessary, and very bad timing. Vladimir, STOP! 5,000 soldiers a week are dying. Lets get the Peace Deal DONE!” Trump said on Truth Social.
The White House has threatened to abandon its efforts if no progress is made soon.
Trump upbraided Zelenskyy on Wednesday over a comment in which the Ukrainian President repeated that Kyiv would not recognise Russia’s occupation of Crimea.
Trump has used a markedly more gentle tone in his statements about Putin than with Zelenskyy, whom he at one point referred to as a “dictator”.
Trump’s special envoy is expected to meet Putin on Friday for more talks, a US official has said.
Meanwhile, Kyiv Mayor Vitalii Klitschko announced that Friday would be an official day of mourning in the capital. — Agencies
