Trump Tells Putin to 'STOP' After Deadly Strikes on Kyiv, Pushes Hard for Peace Deal

Donald Trump has taken his signature direct approach to international conflict, telling Russian President Vladimir Putin to "STOP!" after a devastating Russian attack on Kyiv left at least 10 dead and 90 wounded, according to Ukrainian officials. The strike reportedly included several children among the injured, adding a grim weight to the ongoing humanitarian crisis.

Trump, posting on his social platform, didn't mince words: "I am not happy with the Russian strikes on KYIV. Not necessary, and very bad timing. Vladimir, STOP! 5,000 soldiers a week are dying. Let’s get the peace deal DONE." If only diplomacy could be handled like a group chat with all-caps urgency.

Washington, meanwhile, continues to push for a peace settlement. Trump has voiced optimism that a deal could be reached, mentioning hopes on Easter that Russia and Ukraine might come together soon—and even, in true Trump fashion, start "doing big business with the United States of America." Because nothing says world peace quite like a good trade deal.

Earlier this month, Trump again pressed Russia to end the conflict, calling the war "senseless" and lamenting the death toll. While Trump claims a peace deal is close, many experts remain skeptical, especially given Putin's long-standing reputation for playing tough at the negotiating table.

Trump administration officials have echoed the urgency, with some warning that if Ukraine and Russia don't start making meaningful moves toward peace, the U.S. could step back from negotiations altogether. Vice President JD Vance delivered a sharp ultimatum this week, stating, "We've issued a very explicit proposal to both the Russians and Ukrainians, and it's time for them to either say yes or for the U.S. to walk away from this process. We've engaged in an extraordinary amount of diplomacy, of on-the-ground work." Translation: patience is wearing thin in D.C.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio struck a similar note, hinting that the administration is nearing its limit and may soon declare, "we’re done," if progress stalls.

Tensions haven’t just been with Moscow. Trump recently criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for making an "inflammatory" statement about not recognizing Russian control of Crimea, captured by Russia in 2014. Trump dismissed Ukraine’s stance as "not even up for discussion," further underscoring his focus on compromise—or at least, his version of it.

In his latest posts, Trump doubled down on his tough-love approach to Zelenskyy, referring to him as "the man with no cards to play." This echoes his earlier take that Ukraine simply lacks leverage in high-stakes peace talks, a point he made during a tense Oval Office meeting back in February.