U.S. President Donald Trump has called on Russian President Vladimir Putin to halt attacks on Ukraine, following a deadly missile strike on Kyiv that killed 12 people and injured more than 90.
“I am not happy with the Russian strikes on Kyiv. Not necessary, and very bad timing,” Trump said on Truth Social on Thursday. “Vladimir, stop! 5,000 soldiers a week are dying. Let’s get the peace deal done!”
Speaking at the Oval Office later, Trump warned that “things will happen” if Russia continues its attacks. Trump said he believes Putin will listen to him. He added that both Ukraine and Russia want peace and must return to the negotiating table.
The overnight missile and drone assault on Kyiv struck 13 locations, including residential neighborhoods and civilian infrastructure, making it the deadliest attack on the capital since July 2024.
The strike came as negotiations to end the war intensified, with White House officials reportedly urging Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Ukraine to consider a potential peace plan that could involve territorial concessions to Russia, according to a senior Ukrainian official.
Meanwhile, Zelenskyy, citing a preliminary report, said Russia used a ballistic missile believed to be manufactured in North Korea in the attack.
Kyiv last night during a combined Russian attack.
Reuters reports that a North Korean KN-23 ballistic missile hit the residential building in Kyiv, citing its own sources. https://t.co/28TlH03X3E pic.twitter.com/D3jxURielQ
— Anton Gerashchenko (@Gerashchenko_en) April 24, 2025
“If the information that this missile was made in North Korea is confirmed, this will be further proof of the criminal nature of the alliance between Russia and Pyongyang. They kill people and torment lives together – that is the only meaning behind their cooperation,” Zelenskyy said.
He also stressed the need for real pressure on Russia to end the war, stating: “There must be a full and unconditional halt to the strikes, and Russia must agree to it.”
As of Thursday, rescue crews continued their search for survivors in the rubble, with some residents still trapped in buildings, according to Zelenskyy.
Debris removal operations are still ongoing in Kyiv following the Russian missile strike. The relatives and loved ones of those who may still be trapped under the rubble are there – on the scene of the rescue operation. Rescuers, emergency services, and everyone who is helping… pic.twitter.com/00chnCndrC
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) April 24, 2025
