Trump Reacts Sharply to Russia's Largest Attack on Kyiv in Nine Months: A Clear Message to Putin

Tensions in the Russia-Ukraine conflict escalated again after Russia launched its most devastating strike on Kyiv in nearly nine months, killing at least nine people and injuring over 60. Former U.S. President Donald Trump responded with a strong message directed at Russian President Vladimir Putin, urging an immediate halt to the assault.

As the war drags on into its third year, the latest developments and the sharp political reactions from global leaders, especially from the U.S., could mark a potential turning point in the fragile peace negotiation process.

1. A Devastating Strike: Russia Launches 70 Missiles, 145 Drones

According to CNN on April 24, 2025, Russia launched a massive aerial assault involving 70 missiles and 145 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), primarily targeting Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv.

The attacks struck 13 locations within Kyiv, inflicting heavy casualties and infrastructure damage. Rescue teams confirmed at least nine fatalities and over 60 injuries, while many are feared trapped under the rubble as emergency crews continue search and rescue operations.

Russia stated that the attacks employed long-range precision-guided weapons from air, land, and sea, targeting Ukraine’s aviation, missile, and space industries, as well as fuel production and armored vehicle facilities.

2. Trump: “Unnecessary and Terribly Timed – Vladimir, STOP!”

In a post on Truth Social on April 24 (U.S. time), Donald Trump expressed clear disapproval:

“I am not happy with Russia’s attacks on Kyiv. Unnecessary and terribly timed. Vladimir, STOP! 5,000 soldiers die each week. Finalize the Peace Deal!”

Trump’s reaction stands out as a rare direct criticism of Russia amid his 2024 campaign for re-election. The strong message may indicate a shift in tone and highlights the high stakes surrounding U.S. foreign policy if Trump returns to office.

3. Zelensky Cuts Trip Short, Urges Air Defense Support

In response to the attack, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced he would cut short his official visit to South Africa and return to Ukraine immediately.

Zelensky stated that Ukraine would reach out to international partners for enhanced air defense assistance, especially after Ukraine’s air force confirmed that five ballistic missiles penetrated its current defenses.

According to Ukrainian Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko, eight regions across Ukraine were simultaneously targeted, including Zhytomyr, Dnipro, Kharkiv, Poltava, Khmelnytskyi, Sumy, and Zaporizhzhia.

4. Crimea at the Heart of Trump-Zelensky Tensions

The timing of the attack coincides with public tensions between Trump and Zelensky regarding the future of Crimea, which Russia annexed in 2014.

Sources suggest the Trump administration had floated a potential peace proposal recognizing Russian control over Crimea – a move that would overturn over a decade of U.S. foreign policy.

Zelensky has firmly rejected this idea:

“Ukraine will not accept any peace deal that contradicts our Constitution.”

Trump, on the other hand, blamed Zelensky’s uncompromising stance for stalling peace negotiations:

“It’s statements like Zelensky’s that make ending the conflict extremely difficult.”

5. U.S. Role in Question: Vance Warns of Withdrawal

In a separate development, U.S. Vice President JD Vance warned during his visit to India that the U.S. may reconsider its involvement:

“A very clear proposal has been made to both sides. It’s time they say yes – or the U.S. will step away.”

His remarks suggest increasing frustration within the U.S. administration over the lack of progress in peace talks, signaling that Washington’s support may no longer be indefinite.

Notably, a recent ministerial meeting between Ukraine, the U.S., U.K., France, and Germany aimed at reviving ceasefire negotiations was downgraded to lower-level talks, after Secretary of State Marco Rubio declined to attend.

6. Outlook: Peace or Prolonged War?

The April 24 attack marks the worst assault on Kyiv since July 2024, which killed 33 people. This new wave of violence not only underlines the destructive capacity of the ongoing conflict but also threatens to undermine diplomatic progress.

Political analysts suggest:

Without significant strategic shifts or concessions, the war could continue for several more years.

The U.S. and its allies face a critical decision: sustain support for Ukraine or step back to force direct Russia-Ukraine negotiations.

7. Final Take: Trump's Words May Reshape the Peace Roadmap

Trump’s message to Putin – simple, urgent, and public – may reshape diplomatic pressure and recalibrate international responses. While his stance diverges from traditional U.S. policy, it adds weight to growing calls for a realistic, if uncomfortable, resolution to the war.

As new developments unfold, one thing remains clear: Kyiv is once again at the epicenter of a global crisis, and how leaders respond now will set the tone for the months – or years – to come.

Stay ahead of the investment curve with real-time market updates from InfoFinance – follow us today!