Former U.S. President Donald Trump has called on Russian President Vladimir Putin to halt attacks on Ukraine, as Kyiv endured one of the heaviest bombardments in recent months.
In a post shared on his platform Truth Social, Trump said, “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 remarks followed a devastating Russian offensive that saw over 70 missiles and 145 drones launched at Ukraine overnight. Officials confirmed at least eight fatalities and dozens injured in what was described as Moscow’s most intense assault on the Ukrainian capital in months.
“It Was Just a Miracle”
Amid the chaos, Kyiv resident Anna Balamutova recalled grabbing her two children and fleeing to a nearby shelter as explosions rocked the city’s Sviatyshynsky district.
“If I lived any further, I wouldn’t have managed with two children,” said the 36-year-old, who had relocated from Pavlograd earlier in the war. “It was just a miracle that we were saved — we heard the alarm and ran immediately.”
With her 5-year-old and 14-year-old in tow, Balamutova described scenes of panic as people ran bleeding, screaming, and carrying injured loved ones. “It was horrifying… I can’t understand how this is happening in today’s world.”
The attack is the latest in a string of deadly assaults on civilian areas since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022.
Escalating Toll and Destruction
President Volodymyr Zelensky, who cut short his visit to South Africa after the strike, said more than 80 people had been wounded and warned the death toll could rise, with several still believed to be trapped beneath rubble.
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko confirmed that 31 people were hospitalized, including five children. He declared Friday a day of mourning in the capital.
Emergency responders worked through the night, navigating the wreckage of high-rise Soviet-era buildings, using stretchers to move victims through shattered stairwells and collapsed corridors.
One woman was seen clutching her dog with a bloodied face, reporting others trapped under the debris. Another lay motionless on the grass, covered by a white sheet. Psychologists were seen comforting distraught survivors, some in tears and shock.
Civilians Caught in the Crossfire
Olena Davydiuk, a 33-year-old lawyer, fled her building when explosions shattered windows and doors. “Why is Russia doing this? It wants to destroy us — the soldiers at the front and those of us behind,” she said, standing amid rubble and broken glass.
Moscow claimed it had targeted military facilities and that its objectives had been met.
However, the extensive civilian impact painted a stark contrast. Footage shared by emergency services showed chaotic scenes of nighttime rescues and anguished cries from injured residents being evacuated.
Trump Criticizes Zelensky, Calls for Peace
The deadly assault came just hours after Trump criticized Ukrainian President Zelensky for refusing to concede Crimea — annexed by Russia in 2014 — as part of a peace settlement.
Despite his criticism of Kyiv’s leadership, Trump’s comments on Putin mark a rare public rebuke of the Russian leader.
As Kyiv faces the ongoing brunt of the war, residents like Balamutova remain haunted by the violence. “I thought we’d be safer here than in Pavlograd — at least Kyiv has shelters and the metro,” she said.
