Trump Urges Putin to Halt Strikes as Russia’s Massive Attack on Kyiv Kills 12

Amid ongoing peace talks, Trump condemns “very bad timing” of Russian assault; Kyiv reels from deadliest attack this year.

Kyiv, Ukraine / Washington D.C. – April 24, 2025 At least 12 people were killed and over 90 injured after a massive Russian missile and drone strike pounded the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv in what authorities described as the deadliest attack on the city this year. The assault, which caused extensive damage to residential areas and infrastructure, drew a rare public rebuke from U.S. President Donald Trump, who urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to “STOP” the offensive.

Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump criticized the timing of the strikes, calling them “not necessary” and detrimental to ongoing peace negotiations. “Vladimir, STOP! 5000 soldiers a week are dying. Let’s get the Peace Deal DONE!” Trump later posted on his Truth Social account.

Despite his criticism, Trump emphasized that significant strides were being made in negotiations between Russia and Ukraine. “I think we’re going to make a deal … I think we’re getting very close,” he said, noting that the Kremlin had shown willingness to consider halting the war and refraining from seizing the entire country.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, in a separate interview with CBS News, acknowledged that talks were “moving in the right direction,” although he cautioned that specific issues still needed to be resolved.

The White House confirmed that it is applying pressure on both Moscow and Kyiv to finalize a deal, with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicating further discussions are planned over the weekend. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, following talks in Washington, stated that Ukraine is actively engaging in the process and that the initiative now lies with Russia.

The Russian Defense Ministry described the operation as a large-scale precision strike on Ukraine’s military-industrial infrastructure, denying civilian targets were involved. However, Ukrainian officials reported widespread destruction in residential neighborhoods and accused Moscow of using a North Korean KN-23 ballistic missile in the attack.

Rescue workers continued efforts into Friday to recover bodies from the rubble. Emergency services reported that mobile phones could be heard ringing beneath collapsed buildings, and at least 40 fires had broken out across 13 affected sites.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the attack, noting its use as cover for intensified ground assaults, particularly near Pokrovsk on the eastern front. The Ukrainian military claimed to have repelled these advances.

The attack also impacted regions beyond Kyiv, with reported damage in Kharkiv, Zhytomyr, and Pavlohrad.

As the conflict, which began with Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, nears its third year, both sides appear to be accelerating diplomatic efforts under increased U.S. scrutiny. Trump, however, has shown a more critical stance toward Zelenskyy in recent days, suggesting that reclaiming Crimea would be “very difficult” and reportedly referring to the Ukrainian leader as a “dictator.”

A special U.S. envoy is scheduled to meet Putin on Friday for further talks, while the White House maintains that its involvement hinges on rapid progress toward a resolution.