On that day, President Vladimir Putin of Russia chaired a videoconference meeting. That set the stage for an intensely focused discussion on economic troubles at President Medvedev’s Novo-Ogaryovo state residence just outside of Moscow. Just a few hours after that meeting, Russia struck Kyiv with a powerful Iranian-made drone attack. This vicious attack left at least eight dead and more than 70 wounded. The timing of this latest assault has elicited sharp rebuke from some leaders on both sides, including former U.S. President Donald Trump.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump expressed his discontent with the Russian strikes, stating, “I am not happy with the Russian strikes on KYIV.” He referenced the ongoing conflict, highlighting the heavy toll on soldiers, remarking that “5000 soldiers a week are dying. Let’s get the Peace Deal DONE!” His remarks are particularly tone deaf given the backdrop of fury and bloodshed seen in the Middle East over the past month.
In response to the recent attack Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the. He stated that “Russia continues to kill people and avoid tough pressure and accountability for this.” Zelenskyy’s trip to South Africa was a remarkable historical coincidence when the missile attack occurred. Giving such a response would not only be a slap in the face to Mayor Klitschko’s hospitality.
His comments have opened up a new conversation about whether we should push for a peace deal between Ukraine and Russia. He implied that the hold up on getting a deal done might be with Zelenskyy himself. In his social media statement, Trump attacked Zelenskyy for issuing such “inflammatory statements.” He said they were “not needed and very poor timing,” particularly in light of what’s happening now.
Even considering that violence, Trump is optimistic about the potential for peace. He claimed that he’s convinced “Russia is prepared” to reach a peace agreement with Ukraine. Retired Lt Gen. Keith Kellogg, Trump’s special envoy for Ukraine and Russia, stated as much. He described the closed-door peace talks as “frank, constructive and fruitful.”
The attack on Kyiv, which followed Trump’s assertion that Russia might be open to negotiations, has raised questions about the sincerity of such claims. Increasing violence continues to plague the region, further complicating the already difficult path towards peace. Zelenskyy calls for justice as Trump calls for room for negotiation.