WASHINGTON, USA – United States President Donald Trump has strongly condemned Russian missile and drone strikes on Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, which took place overnight on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, urging Russian President Vladimir Putin to halt the attacks.
Trump took to social media on Thursday, April 24, 2025, to express his dissatisfaction with the escalating violence.
“I am not happy with the Russian strikes on KYIV,” Trump wrote.
“Not necessary, and very bad timing. Vladimir, STOP! 5,000 soldiers a week are dying. Let’s get the Peace Deal DONE!”
Trump’s comments mark a notable shift in his typically pro-Russia stance.
While he has often called for negotiations and a peaceful resolution to the war in Ukraine, his direct criticism of Putin over the recent strikes is unusual.
Earlier in March, Trump had expressed his anger at Putin’s suggestion to replace Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky with a transitional government, an idea that drew backlash from both Ukrainian leaders and international observers.
In February, Trump had also voiced criticism of Zelensky, calling the Ukrainian leader a “dictator” and falsely claiming that his approval ratings were poor within Ukraine.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Zelensky was engaged in high-level talks in South Africa, meeting with President Cyril Ramaphosa.
The visit was met with protests, with opposition groups condemning the South African government’s ties to Russia.
Protesters gathered outside government buildings, holding banners reading, “Shame on you, Ramaphosa and Zelensky.”
Zelensky had to cut short his state visit to South Africa following the overnight Russian attacks that left at least 12 people dead in Kyiv.
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine continues to draw international concern, with calls for a resolution growing louder from the global community.
