Trump Urges Putin to 'STOP!' After Russian Strikes Kill at Least 12 in Ukraine

What Happened?

Peace efforts between Ukraine and Russia have taken a turn for the worse after a series of overnight strikes killed at least 12 people and left 90 injured.

According to reports, Moscow sent 70 missiles and 145 drones toward Ukraine that struck 13 locations, including residential buildings and civilian infrastructure.

Wednesday's attack marks one of the costliest for the city as Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelensky, believes it was aimed at pressuring the U.S.

President Donald Trump took to Truth Social, Thursday, to express his frustrations following the attack.

'I am not happy with the Russian strikes on KYIV. Not necessary, and very bad timing,' Trump said. 'Vladimir (Putin), STOP! 5,000 soldiers a week are dying. Let's get the Peace Deal DONE!’

Trump's statement comes after Zelensky said during his visit to South Africa that 'if more pressure is applied to Russia, we'll be able to make our positions closer.'

Kremlin spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov, reportedly confirmed the strike, claiming that the Russian 'military continues to fulfill its tasks.'

Those tasks include striking 'military and near-military targets' which are set by the supreme commander-in-chief, Peskov added.

Why it Matters

These new developments unfold after Trump lashed out Wednesday against Ukraine's Zelensky, after accusing him of prolonging peace negotiations with Russia.

Trump claimed that Zelensky boasted on the front page of The Wall Street Journal and made damaging remarks that 'Ukraine will not legally recognize the occupation of Crimea.'

He pointed to such statements as the reasons behind the difficulties that make peace efforts for both parties nearly impossible.

But Zelensky sees things differently following Russia's latest actions.

'It is extremely important that everyone around the world sees and understands what is really happening,' He told reporters Thursday.

Despite these frustrations, Trump claimed Wednesday that a deal is still very close to being done.

The Trump administration warned that it will walk away from peace talks in a matter of days if no progress is made.

Trump insists that neither side is 'playing' him, despite months of failed efforts to settle the conflict in Kyiv that he calls a 'killing field.'

How it Affects You

Russia's hesitation to a 30-day ceasefire has raised concerns for many leaders amid Ukraine's signaled openness.

Zelensky urged Trump, during an interview on CBS's 60 Minutes, to visit Ukraine before any deal with Putin is struck to end the war.

Vice President, JD Vance, and U.S. special envoy, Steve Witkoff, have ignited calls this week for Russia to accept a U.S.-led peace proposal.

It's likely the last firm attempt to broker a U.S.-led deal that now seems to have reached a point of no return.

Trump previously set a 100-day deadline to find a deal with both parties.

Should the U.S. back out, it could bring strong criticism among allies if Ukraine is ultimately left out to dry.