Washington (AP) – President Donald Trump offered rare criticism from Vladimir Putin, urging the Russian chief to “stop!” After a fatal dam of attacks against Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine.
“I am not satisfied with the Russian strikes on kyiv. Not necessary, and a very bad timing. Vladimir, stop! 5000 soldiers per week are dying,” said Trump in an article on his social platform Truth. “Allows you to make the peace agreement!”
Russia has struck Kyiv with a longtime missile and drone dam. At least nine people have been killed and more than 70 injured in the deadliest assault in the city since last July.
Trump’s frustration increases as an effort led by the United States to obtain a peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia has not progressed.
Asset unleashed to the Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy Wednesday and accused him of extending the “killing field” by refusing to make occupied Russia Crimea peninsula as part of a possible case.
Zelenskyy repeatedly repeated during the war that started when Russia invaded in February 2022 that recognizing occupied territory like that of Russia is a red line for Ukraine. Zelenskyy noted on Thursday that Ukraine had accepted a proposal for a ceasefire from the United States 44 days ago as the first stage towards a negotiated peace, but that Moscow’s attacks had continued.
Trump’s criticism of Putin is notable because Trump has repeatedly said that Russia, the aggressor of the conflict, is more willing than Ukraine to conclude an agreement.
“I thought it might be easier to face Zelenskyy,” Trump told journalists on Wednesday. “So far, it has been more difficult, but it’s okay. Everything is fine.”
In his relations with Zelenskyy And PoutineTrump focused on which leader has a lever effect. Putin has “cards” and Zelenskyy does not do so, said Trump several times. At the same time, the new republican administration has taken measures to a more cooperative line with Putin, for whom Trump has long shown admiration.
Trump is expected to meet later Thursday with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre to discuss the war in Ukraine, American prices and other questions.
Norway, a member of NATO and solid supporter of Ukraine, shares a border of around 123 miles (198 kilometers) with Russia.
Gahr Støre said Thursday in an article on social networks that he would underline during talks that “close contact between Norway and the United States is crucial”.
“We have to contribute to lasting peace and just in Ukraine,” he said.
The White House announced Tuesday that Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, would visit Moscow this week for a new series of discussions with Putin on the war. It would be their fourth meeting since Trump took office in January.
