**Trump Criticizes Russia’s Attack on Kyiv, Urges Putin to “Stop”**
US President Donald Trump has condemned Russia’s strike on the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv that killed eight civilians and injured 77 others. The attack occurred on April 24, as Trump was trying to broker a peace deal between Ukraine and Russia.
In a statement on his Truth Social platform, Trump called the Russian strikes “not necessary” and criticized Vladimir Putin for the “very bad timing”. He urged Putin to stop the attacks and get a peace deal done. However, unlike in the past, Trump stopped short of further criticizing Putin or the Kremlin’s actions.
**The Context of the Attack**
Russia launched the deadly attack on Kyiv amid ongoing efforts by Trump to negotiate a peace deal between Ukraine and Russia. The US President has been pushing for a proposal that would grant Russia de facto control over Crimea, ban Ukraine from joining NATO, and promote closer economic ties between the two countries.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has refused to formally cede control of Crimea to Russia, which Trump had criticized. The US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, skipped a planned ministerial meeting in London on April 23, further complicating peace efforts.
**Peace Negotiations Remain Shaky**
Despite the postponed meeting and Trump’s special envoy scheduled to visit Russia for his fourth meeting with Putin, peace negotiations remain shaky at best. The parties praised their technical-level meeting as “positive” but announced no breakthrough.
As the situation continues to unfold, it remains unclear whether these efforts will yield a lasting solution or merely delay the inevitable. Meanwhile, the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia exacts an increasingly high human cost on both sides.
**What’s Next?**
The next few days will be crucial in determining the trajectory of these peace negotiations. With Trump’s special envoy set to meet Putin again and further technical-level talks scheduled, it is essential to monitor developments closely. Will this lead to a genuine breakthrough or more delays? Only time will tell.
Read More @ kyivindependent.com
