Former President Donald Trump has issued a rare public rebuke of Russian President Vladimir Putin, following a devastating wave of missile and drone strikes on Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine. The assault, which occurred on Thursday, claimed the lives of at least nine individuals and left more than 70 injured, making it the deadliest attack on the city since July 2024. The unprecedented level of violence has sparked global outrage, and Trump’s condemnation adds a new dimension to the U.S. stance on the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

In a post shared on Truth Social, Trump voiced his displeasure with the Russian military’s actions, saying, “I am not happy with the Russian strikes on KYIV. Not necessary, and very bad timing. Vladimir, STOP! 5000 soldiers a week are dying. Let’s get the Peace Deal DONE!” The message underscores Trump’s growing frustration not only with Putin's military actions but also with the prolonged stalemate in peace negotiations.

Trump’s call for peace follows his ongoing efforts to spearhead a U.S.-led initiative aimed at brokering an agreement between Ukraine and Russia. His remarks came after an earlier criticism of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, accusing him of prolonging the conflict by refusing to cede Crimea—the Russian-occupied territory—in exchange for peace. Trump argued that Zelenskyy’s unwillingness to give up the Crimean Peninsula was stalling the peace process, making the conflict an unnecessary "killing field."

However, Zelenskyy has consistently stated that recognizing occupied territories as part of Russia is a non-negotiable red line for Ukraine. Zelenskyy has also maintained that Ukraine agreed to a ceasefire proposal backed by the United States as a starting point for negotiations but emphasized that Russian attacks have continued unabated, complicating any hopes for peace.

Trump's comments on Putin’s actions are especially significant given his historical admiration for the Russian leader. For much of his presidency, Trump openly praised Putin, claiming that he believed Russia was more willing to come to a peace agreement than Ukraine. Trump’s frustration with Zelenskyy’s position indicates a shift in his diplomatic approach, though he remains steadfast in his belief that Putin holds the cards in the ongoing war.

In contrast, Zelenskyy’s military stance and refusal to make territorial concessions continue to complicate efforts toward a negotiated settlement. Trump’s assessment of the situation is marked by a belief that the Ukrainian President’s resistance to ceding control of Crimea is prolonging the death toll on both sides of the conflict.

While the former U.S. President has been vocal in his support for peace talks, his remarks have drawn criticism for seeming to sidestep Ukraine’s sovereignty over Crimea. Nonetheless, the U.S. administration under Trump has been deeply involved in diplomatic efforts to negotiate a resolution to the war, although progress has been slow and incremental.

In the midst of these diplomatic developments, Trump is scheduled to meet with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre on Thursday. Norway, a member of NATO and a staunch supporter of Ukraine, shares a 198-km border with Russia, which makes Norwegian involvement in the peace process vital. Gahr Støre, in a statement on social media, emphasized the importance of strong cooperation between the U.S. and Norway, declaring, “We must contribute to a lasting and just peace in Ukraine.”

This meeting comes as Norway and other NATO allies continue to work toward finding a diplomatic solution to the conflict. U.S. involvement in peace talks has ramped up in recent months, with the White House announcing that Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff will visit Moscow this week. This marks Witkoff's fourth meeting with Vladimir Putin since Trump’s term began. The envoy's visit highlights the importance of continued diplomatic engagement as the war persists.

Trump’s criticism of Putin, coming after an extended period of U.S.-Russia tensions, adds a new dimension to the war. His call for Russia to halt its attacks on Ukraine and for peace negotiations to resume signals a potential shift in American diplomacy under a Republican administration.

As the death toll rises and the geopolitical stakes increase, both Russia and Ukraine continue to maneuver diplomatically and militarily, leaving the international community to grapple with the best path forward for peace. The ongoing conflict, sparked by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, has turned into the most significant European war since World War II.

In conclusion, Donald Trump’s comments represent a bold call for Russia to cease its violent actions and a plea for a swift resolution to the conflict. As his envoy heads to Moscow and his meeting with Prime Minister Gahr Støre approaches, the international community will be watching closely for signs of a breakthrough or further escalation. The future of Ukraine, the sanctity of international law, and the balance of global power hinge on the decisions made in the coming weeks.

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