In a significant and unusual move, President Donald Trump expressed disapproval towards Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday, following a violent surge of attacks on Kyiv, Ukraine’s capital. Trump urged Putin to halt the aggression, writing on his Truth Social platform, “I am not happy with the Russian strikes on KYIV. Not necessary, and very bad timing. Vladimir, STOP! 5000 soldiers a week are dying. Let’s get the Peace Deal DONE!” The Russian offensive involved an extended assault with missiles and drones, marking the deadliest attack on Kyiv since the previous July, leaving at least 12 dead and 90 injured.
Trump’s frustration is mounting as U.S.-backed peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia struggle to gain traction. His remarks aimed at Putin follow a critical comment directed at Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, whom Trump accused of extending the conflict by not conceding Crimea—a region annexed by Russia in 2014—as part of a peace settlement. Trump implied that Putin’s aggressive timing could hinder the Kremlin’s demands to maintain control over forcibly acquired territories in Ukraine.
During a meeting with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre at the Oval Office, Trump highlighted that the annexation of Crimea occurred during Barack Obama’s presidency, emphasizing the tactical ease with which Russia seized the region. When asked about Putin’s efforts towards a peace agreement, Trump amusingly remarked that ceasing attempts to occupy all of Ukraine is a “pretty big concession.” However, many in Ukraine and Europe disputed this notion, asserting that a temporary halt does not qualify as compromise. Zelenskyy reiterated Ukraine’s stance that recognizing Russian-occupied territories as Russian is non-negotiable, revealing that Ukraine had accepted a U.S. ceasefire proposal over a month ago, yet Russian attacks persisted.
Trump’s critique of Putin stands out because of his previous assertions that Russia is keener to finalize a deal than Ukraine. Reflecting on the massive strike, Trump stated, “I didn’t like last night. I wasn’t happy with it.” In his dealings, Trump has consistently evaluated the leverage held by leaders, often favoring Putin’s position over Zelenskyy’s. Nevertheless, the new Republican administration seems to be leaning towards more cooperative dealings with Putin, who has often received admiration from Trump.
In discussions with Norway’s Gahr Støre, topics included the Ukraine conflict, U.S tariffs, and other pressing issues. Norway, a staunch supporter of Ukraine and a NATO member, shares a border with Russia. Gahr Støre acknowledged that both Ukraine and Russia must contribute to resolving the conflict, hinting that Trump’s insistence could facilitate an agreement. “To move towards an end of this war, U.S engagement is critical, and President Trump made that possible,” he stated. Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron demanded honesty from Putin, urging him to “stop lying” about wanting peace while continuing destructive operations in Ukraine. Macron called for an unconditional ceasefire agreement as the only acceptable step from Russia.
France’s Foreign Ministry also countered Trump’s critique regarding Ukraine and Crimea, emphasizing that Ukraine’s territorial integrity cannot be compromised. Diplomatic discussions in Paris, London, and other locations have consistently rejected any territorial concessions favoring Russia. The Foreign Ministry’s spokesperson voiced that, unlike Trump’s assessment, it is Russia that is stalling negotiation discussions, not Ukraine.
The United States continues diplomatic engagement, with Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff scheduled to meet in Moscow for further discussions with Putin—a series of meetings that has occurred four times since Trump assumed office. The U.S also remained actively involved with NATO, with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth meeting NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte and other officials to address defense expenditure and strategic partnerships.
As NATO allies prepare to reconvene, Trump has advocated for increased military spending. Despite reaching the goal where most allies allocate at least 2% of their GDP on defense, nations like the Netherlands stress that current levels are insufficient for effective territorial defense. Rutte remarked that defense spending needs a significant increase to ensure robust security for the alliance.