President Donald Trump on Thursday criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin for deadly missile and drone attacks on the Ukrainian capital Kyiv that came after the U.S. leader suggested that Russia was “ready” for a peace deal.
“I am not happy with the Russian strikes on KYIV,” Trump wrote in a Truth Social post, after Russia launched what was one of the most damaging attacks on a major Ukrainian city since it invaded its neighbor more than three years ago.
“Not necessary, and very bad timing,” Trump wrote. “Vladimir, STOP!”
“5000 soldiers a week are dying. Lets get the Peace Deal DONE!”
Trump’s message to Putin came a day after the American president said he believed “Russia is ready” for a peace deal with Ukraine.
“I think we have a deal with Russia,” Trump told reporters at the White House on Wednesday.
Trump suggested that the holdup in getting that deal was Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, whom he had accused in a social media post of making “inflammatory statements.”
“We have to get a deal with Zelenskyy,” Trump said in the Oval Office. “I thought it might be easier to deal with Zelenskyy. So far, it’s been harder.”
Hours after those comments, Russia unleashed its attack on Kyiv, leaving at least eight people dead and 70 injured.
CNBC has requested comment from the Russian Embassy in Washington, D.C., on Trump’s post.
Trump’s special envoy for Ukraine and Russia, retired Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg, told NBC News on Thursday morning that peace “talks in London yesterday were candid, constructive and productive.”
Zelenskyy said earlier Thursday that he was cutting short a visit to South Africa to return home because of the attacks.
“Russia continues to kill people and avoid tough pressure and accountability for this,” Zelenskyy said Thursday.
“Unfortunately, there is a lot of destruction. Rescue operations are ongoing, the rubble of buildings is being cleared.”
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