Trump Rebukes Russia Over Deadly Kyiv Strike as Peace Push Faces Rising Tensions

 Washington / Kyiv | April 25, 2025 — U.S. President Donald Trump issued a rare and pointed condemnation of Moscow following a devastating Russian air assault on Kyiv that left at least 12 civilians dead, including two children, and injured over 90 others. Taking to social media, Trump addressed Russian President Vladimir Putin directly: “Vladimir, STOP!”

The strike on Ukraine’s capital, described as the deadliest this year, involved a wave of drones, ballistic missiles, and guided munitions. It triggered widespread destruction across several Kyiv districts, including a direct hit on an apartment block in the Sviatoshynskyi district by what Ukrainian officials say was a North Korean KN-23 missile supplied to Russia.

The timing of the attack has cast a shadow over Trump’s renewed diplomatic push to end the conflict. His administration has been quietly advocating a ceasefire deal reportedly favourable to Russian interests — including U.S. recognition of Crimea as Russian territory. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has staunchly rejected such terms, insisting that any peace deal must begin with a full ceasefire and the restoration of Ukraine’s territorial sovereignty.

Speaking to reporters in Washington, Trump emphasized his intent to secure a ceasefire before his 100th day in office on April 30, reiterating a campaign promise to end the war within 24 hours of taking office. “We’re putting a lot of pressure on Russia, and Russia knows that,” Trump said, describing a potential Russian commitment not to occupy all of Ukraine as a “pretty big concession.”

However, the president’s remarks drew swift backlash, particularly after he criticized Zelenskyy for allegedly derailing peace prospects. On his Truth Social platform, Trump accused the Ukrainian leader of prolonging the “killing field” and making “very harmful” statements that undermine negotiations.

Zelenskyy, who cut short an official trip to South Africa following the attack, forcefully rejected Trump’s assertions. “It has been 44 days since Ukraine agreed to a full ceasefire... and it has been 44 days of Russia continuing to kill our people,” he posted on X, calling for an “immediate and unconditional” halt to Russian strikes.

Ukraine’s Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko confirmed that search and rescue operations were ongoing in Kyiv, with teams using sniffer dogs and thermal imaging to locate survivors beneath the rubble. “We still hear mobile phones ringing under the ruins,” he said. “Two children are still unaccounted for.”

Meanwhile, Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia, Pavlohrad, and Zhytomyr also came under heavy bombardment. Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov reported significant damage to residential neighborhoods, a factory, and high-rise buildings, with several civilians injured.

Ukrainian forces say Russia timed its air offensive to coincide with a surge in ground assaults along the front lines. Zelenskyy confirmed that “the enemy attempted to use mass air strikes as cover for intensified ground attacks,” but said Ukrainian troops had successfully repelled the advances.

While Trump signals a desire to de-escalate, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told CBS News that Moscow is “ready to reach a deal” with Washington, though he acknowledged that “elements of this deal need to be fine-tuned.”

However, Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga placed blame squarely on Moscow, stating, “Russia’s maximalist demands and brutal strikes show clearly that Putin, not Ukraine, is the obstacle to peace.”

Inside Ukraine, the human toll and emotional trauma from the latest attacks are fueling public frustration with Washington’s diplomatic posture. Ukrainians took to social media, accusing the Trump administration of appeasement and moral indifference.

“Can’t begin to explain how surreal it is to hear missile strikes while editing U.S. demands for Ukraine to surrender,” wrote Olga Rudenko, editor of the Kyiv Independent.

A viral video from war photographer Kostyantyn Liberov showed rescuers coaxing a young woman from the rubble as a drone buzzed overhead. “We’ll get you out no matter what,” a rescuer said. Just moments later, a second Shahed drone struck the area.

As Kyiv residents spent the night in subway shelters, enduring repeated air raid sirens and the thunder of explosions, the call for international resolve grew louder.

“Putin demonstrates only a desire to kill. Weakness and concessions will not stop him — only strength and pressure will,” said presidential adviser Andriy Yermak.

With just days left before Trump’s self-imposed ceasefire deadline, the conflict shows no sign of slowing. On the contrary, this week’s carnage has underscored the vast chasm between diplomatic overtures and battlefield realities.

Further updates will follow as the situation evolves.