Trump Condemns Putin After Major Russian Strike on Ukraine, Calls for Peace Deal

President Donald Trump publicly condemned Russian President Vladimir Putin after Russia launched a massive overnight assault on Ukraine, striking the capital city of Kyiv with dozens of missiles and over 100 drones.

Speaking from the Oval Office during a meeting with the Prime Minister of Norway, Trump told reporters he believed Putin would listen to his appeal for peace. "Vladimir, stop!" Trump posted on social media, later adding that the attacks on Kyiv were “not necessary.”

Despite his forceful language, the path to peace remains uncertain. Asked about what concessions Russia should make to end the conflict, Trump said, “Not taking any more territory,” but did not offer details on how a potential deal could be structured.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy swiftly rejected any suggestion that Ukraine would recognize Crimea as Russian territory, a sticking point that has long hindered peace negotiations. Zelenskyy cut short a diplomatic trip to South Africa to return to Ukraine amid the escalating violence.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio opted out of attending scheduled peace talks in London, although a separate U.S. envoy is expected to represent the country. The direction of these talks remains unclear.

Both President Trump and President Zelenskyy are scheduled to attend the funeral of Pope Francis this Saturday, where global leaders may have informal discussions on the crisis.

As the war in Ukraine intensifies, international pressure mounts—and so do the stakes for any potential diplomatic breakthrough.

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