Putin to stop attacks: Russia Launches Devastating Attacks on Ukraine’s Major Cities
Russia launched one of the most devastating bombardments on Ukraine’s major cities since the war began, killing at least 12 people and injuring 90 others. The attacks came hours after President Donald Trump said he believed he had struck deals with both sides to end the war.
Trump’s Reaction to the Attacks
After the attacks, Trump wrote “Vladimir, STOP!” on his website Truth Social, referring to Russian President Vladimir Putin. “I am not happy with the Russian strikes on KYIV. Not necessary, and very bad timing,” he said. “5000 soldiers a week are dying. Lets get the Peace Deal DONE!”
Ukrainian President Returns Home
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced he was cutting short a trip to South Africa and returning home immediately to deal with the “destruction” in his country. “Russia continues to kill people and avoid tough pressure and accountability for this,” he said. “Unfortunately, there is a lot of destruction. Rescue operations are ongoing, the rubble of buildings is being cleared.”
Still on Putin to stop attacks
Attacks on Kyiv and Kharkiv
The capital, Kyiv, was pummeled with 70 missiles, 48 of which were shot down, and 140 drones, 64 shot down, Ukraine’s Air Force said. The city of Kharkiv also came under attack, with Mayor Ihor Terekhov urging residents to “be careful!”
Eyewitness Accounts
Yevheniia Sobolieva, 23, an interpreter and event manager in Kyiv, described the overnight explosions as shaking her walls and slamming the doors shut in her apartment. She ran to take shelter at a nearby metro station, which was packed with people.
Trump’s Comments on a Potential Deal
On Wednesday, Trump said in the Oval Office that “I think we have a deal with both” sides — before suggesting that an agreement with Ukraine was still pending. “I thought it might be easier to deal with Zelenskyy,” he said. “So far, it’s been harder.” Earlier in the day, Trump launched his latest criticism of Zelenskyy on Truth Social, accusing his Ukrainian counterpart of making “inflammatory statements.”
White House Efforts to Push Ukraine into a Deal
The White House is trying to push Ukraine into accepting a deal with Russia despite setting terms that Kyiv deems deeply unfavorable. High-level talks in the United Kingdom disintegrated earlier this week after Secretary of State Marco Rubio and special envoy Steve Witkoff pulled out, leaving lower-level ministers to meet instead.
Kremlin’s Response
The Kremlin’s spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov, did not mention Thursday’s attacks in his morning briefing with journalists. Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said that Kyiv’s “inability to negotiate is becoming increasingly obvious.”
Russian Support for the War
Gauging Russian support for the war is difficult given the brutality with which Putin’s regime silences dissent and political opposition. A running survey by Moscow’s Levada Center pollster shows the overwhelming majority — 80% as of February — support the invasion in some capacity.
Street Opinions in Moscow
Canvassing opinion on the streets of Moscow showed some differences of opinion. “No deals. Let them get what they deserve,” said Evgeniy, 66, a retiree. Tatyana, 50, said she was in “favor of ceasefire because so many people are suffering.”
Ukrainian Perspective
For Ukrainians and their supporters abroad, Thursday’s attacks symbolized the hypocrisy of Russia’s position. Putin continues to make extreme demands — his conditions for a deal essentially resemble a Ukrainian surrender — while continuing to prosecute the invasion he launched three years ago. Zelenskyy and members of his government say they will never accept Russian control over Crimea, a key demand of the Kremlin’s.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister’s Statement
“Moscow, not Kyiv, is where pressure should be applied,” said Sybiha, the Ukrainian foreign minister. “Yesterday’s Russian maximalist demands for Ukraine to withdraw from its regions, combined with these brutal strikes, show that Russia, not Ukr
Top Financial Advisory Firms to Navigate Economic Uncertainty
Would you like to Earn Money Online with just your mobile device?
If yes then click on the link below:
https://earnbean.ng/
