President Donald Trump recently criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin for the deadly attacks on Kyiv, Ukraine. Trump urged Putin to stop the strikes, emphasizing that 5000 soldiers are dying weekly and calling for a peace deal to be finalized. The Russian assault on Kyiv resulted in at least nine deaths and over 70 injuries, marking the deadliest attack since last July. Trump expressed frustration over the lack of progress in peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia, leading him to lash out at Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for not conceding Crimea as part of a potential deal.

Despite previously suggesting that Russia was more willing to negotiate than Ukraine, Trump’s recent stance indicates a shift in his approach. He acknowledged the challenges in dealing with Zelenskyy but emphasized the importance of leveraging power in negotiations. Trump’s upcoming meeting with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre to discuss the Ukraine war and other issues demonstrates ongoing diplomatic efforts. Additionally, Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, is slated to meet with Putin in Moscow for further discussions on the conflict. These developments highlight the complex dynamics at play in the ongoing crisis and the various diplomatic efforts being made to achieve a lasting and just peace in Ukraine.