ISLAMABAD (PEN) : US President Donald Trump has issued a rare public plea to Russian President Vladimir Putin, urging him to halt hostilities after Russia launched its most significant strike on Kyiv in 2025. The missile and drone attack, which struck the Ukrainian capital overnight, left at least 12 people dead and scores more injured, further complicating peace efforts between the two nations.
A Deadly Assault on Kyiv
The Russian assault, described as the heaviest attack on Kyiv this year, targeted 13 locations across the city, causing widespread destruction. Several buildings were reduced to rubble, fires broke out, and the ongoing rescue operations struggled to recover victims from under collapsed structures. Emergency teams, aided by sniffer dogs and specialist crews, continued their work 12 hours after the bombardment.
Among the casualties, Kyiv resident Viktoria Bakal shared her traumatic experience: “There was the air raid siren, we did not even have time to dress. One blast came after the other, all windows were blown out, doors, walls, my husband and son were thrown to the other side.”
Ukraine’s military reported that the attack involved ballistic missiles, drones, and precision-guided weapons launched from air, sea, and land. Among the munitions used was a North Korean-made ballistic missile, the KN-23, which struck a residential building west of the city center.
Trump’s Urgent Call for Peace
Trump, who has been pushing for a resolution to the ongoing conflict, expressed his discontent over the attack in a post on his social media platform, Truth Social: “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. Let’s get the Peace Deal DONE!”
In a later press conference at the White House, Trump reiterated his commitment to facilitating peace talks, emphasizing that his administration was applying significant pressure on both Moscow and Kyiv to finalize an agreement. He hinted at possible “big concessions” from Russia, which he claimed had shown a willingness to end its invasion of Ukraine.
“This next few days are very important. Meetings are taking place right now. I think we’re going to make a deal… I think we’re getting very close,” Trump added.
Strained Negotiations Amid Violence
Despite the diplomatic push, the Russian strike has complicated efforts to reach a ceasefire. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov denied targeting civilians, reiterating Moscow’s claim that the strike was aimed at Ukraine’s military-industrial complex. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy condemned the attack, pointing out that the airstrike was likely a diversion to cover intensified ground operations in the eastern region, specifically around the city of Pokrovsk.
In addition to Kyiv, Russian forces struck other Ukrainian regions, including Kharkiv, Zhytomyr, and Pavlohrad, underscoring the far-reaching impact of the assault. Ukraine’s Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko confirmed these additional strikes, which continued to disrupt daily life across the nation.
A Softened Approach Toward Putin
In contrast to his tougher stance on Ukraine, Trump has been notably more conciliatory toward Putin. While Trump has criticized Ukrainian President Zelenskiy for not recognizing Russia’s annexation of Crimea, calling his refusal an obstacle to peace negotiations, he has expressed a more constructive approach with Moscow.
Trump’s diplomacy is expected to play a pivotal role in future talks, with a special US envoy set to meet Putin this Friday. The upcoming discussions raise hopes for a potential breakthrough, with Trump’s administration signaling a narrowing window for progress before they could shift their diplomatic focus.
The Road Ahead
While the attack on Kyiv and the growing death toll have set back peace efforts, the international community is still closely watching the situation. With the US exerting pressure on both sides, the next few days could prove critical in determining whether a peace deal is within reach. Trump’s ongoing efforts to mediate between Russia and Ukraine continue to shape the broader geopolitical landscape, with both sides under mounting pressure to find a resolution.
