Trump on Russia strikes on Kyiv Vladimir STOP

WASHINGTON - US President Donald Trump called on Mr Vladimir Putin on April 24 to halt attacks on Ukraine, in a rare rebuke of the Russian leader after Moscow fired missiles and drones at Kyiv in the deadliest attack on the capital in months.

His direct appeal to Mr Putin came after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged his allies to put Russia under more pressure to halt its invasion.

Mr Zelensky cut short a trip to South Africa to deal with the aftermath of the strikes, the latest in a wave of Russian aerial attacks that have killed dozens of civilians.

“I am not happy with the Russian strikes,” Mr Trump, who is pushing to end the war, said on social media.

“Not necessary, and very bad timing. Vladimir, STOP!”

Mr Trump, who has been accused of favouring Russia and has often vilified Mr Zelensky, was asked by reporters what concessions Moscow had offered in negotiations.

“Stopping the war, stopping taking the whole country – pretty big concession,” he replied.

Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, hoping to take the country in days, but has since been bogged down in a bloody war with huge casualties on both sides.

Mr Trump on April 23 accused Mr Zelensky of frustrating peace efforts by ruling out recognising Russia’s claim over Crimea, a territory the US president said was “lost years ago”.

In contrast, Nato Secretary-General Mark Rutte said on April 24 it was Russia, not Ukraine, that needed to move forward in negotiations.

“The balls are clearly in the Russian court now,” Mr Rutte told reporters at the White House after meeting Mr Trump.

Ceasefire deal

Mr Trump’s envoy, Mr Steve Witkoff, is due in Russia this week where he is expected to hold another round of talks with Mr Putin on a