Trump Demands Putin to ‘Stop’ as Kyiv Hit in Biggest Russian Attack in Months

In the wake of one of the most devastating Russian attacks on Kyiv in months, former U.S. President Donald Trump has publicly called for an immediate cessation of Russian missile strikes on Ukraine. The missile barrage, which took place on April 24, 2025, targeted Kyiv, killing at least eight people and leaving the city in ruins. With 70 missiles and 145 drones launched by Russian forces, the assault marks the most significant attack on Ukraine’s capital in recent weeks.

Trump took to his Truth Social platform to express his discontent with the ongoing conflict, urging Russian President Vladimir Putin to halt the attacks. “I am not happy with the Russian strikes on Kyiv. Not necessary, and very bad timing,” Trump wrote. “Vladimir, stop! 5000 soldiers a week are dying. Let’s get the peace deal done!”

The Attack on Kyiv: A Harrowing Scene

The scale of the assault has left the people of Kyiv in shock. As Russian missiles rained down on the city overnight, many families were forced to flee to shelters for safety. Anna Balamutova, a resident of Kyiv’s Sviatyshynsky district, described the scene as a “miracle,” recounting how she and her children narrowly escaped the missile strike. “It was just a miracle that we were saved by the fact that the alarm was raised and we came down immediately,” Balamutova said.

Despite being saved, many residents were not as fortunate. Outside their damaged homes, rescuers worked tirelessly through rubble to find survivors and recover bodies. A woman was seen holding a body covered in a blue sheet as she sat next to the remains of her destroyed building. Another woman, visibly distressed and holding a small dog, stood next to a rescuer, waiting for news about loved ones trapped beneath the wreckage.

Rescue Operations and Growing Casualties

In the aftermath of the attack, Ukrainian emergency services launched immediate rescue operations. The streets of Kyiv were filled with chaos as people rushed to help the injured and search for survivors beneath collapsed buildings. Despite their best efforts, the death toll continued to rise, with reports indicating that more than 80 people had been injured. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko confirmed that 31 individuals, including five children, had been hospitalized. The death toll is expected to climb as rescuers continue to work in the ruins of destroyed buildings.

Rescue operations were further complicated by the condition of the Soviet-era apartment blocks, where many residents were trapped under the rubble. One woman, carried on a stretcher with visible injuries, screamed in pain as she was transported to an ambulance. Another rescuer was seen covering a body with a gold sheet, symbolizing the solemn nature of the situation.

The Psychological Impact of the Attack

The psychological toll of these continuous missile strikes cannot be overstated. Olena Davydiuk, a 33-year-old lawyer who survived the attack, shared her thoughts on Russia’s intentions. “Why is Russia doing this? Well, it wants to destroy us, that’s all,” she said, standing in front of the debris in her neighborhood. “It wants to destroy the boys at the front, and us in the rear.”

Such attacks are particularly devastating for the residents of Kyiv, who had hoped the city would be a safer refuge from the violence engulfing other parts of Ukraine. As Balamutova explained, “I hoped Kyiv would be safer because the city has shelters, at least the metro.” However, as this tragedy has proven, there is no safe place in Ukraine as long as the war continues.

Trump's Criticism of Zelensky and the Peace Process

Trump's comments on the missile strikes came just hours after he criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for not conceding Crimea to Russia as part of a potential peace deal. “I understand that you want to protect every inch of your land, but at some point, we need peace,” Trump said in his social media post, referring to the annexation of Crimea by Russia in 2014. The former president's remarks drew attention to the growing frustration among international leaders about the prolonged conflict and the difficulty of negotiating a peace agreement.

A Day of Mourning and Reflection in Kyiv

In response to the attack, Kyiv’s leadership declared a day of mourning, with all residents urged to reflect on the lives lost in the missile strikes. Ukrainian President Zelensky, who had been on an official visit to South Africa at the time of the attack, cut short his trip and returned to Kyiv to oversee the response efforts. He expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and vowed to continue defending Ukraine against Russian aggression.

As Ukraine faces the daily onslaught of missile strikes and drone attacks, the international community watches with bated breath. While the situation in Kyiv remains dire, there is a growing sense of solidarity with the people of Ukraine, as nations worldwide condemn Russia’s actions and call for an end to the violence. For those seeking additional insights into the challenges facing individuals and communities in conflict zones, including the emotional toll of war, you can explore this article on Nida Dar's break from cricket to focus on mental health.