‘Vladimir, STOP!’ Trump says to Putin after deadliest Russian strike on Kyiv in months

(LONDON) --  
 

 At least 12 people were killed and dozens more were injured in an overnight Russian attack on several districts and residential areas in Kyiv, Ukrainian officials said on Thursday, prompting President Donald Trump to issue a directive to Russian President Vladimir Putin: "Vladimir, STOP!"

"I am not happy with the Russian strikes on KYIV. Not necessary, and very bad timing," Trump said on social media Thursday. "Vladimir, STOP! 5000 soldiers a week are dying. Lets get the Peace Deal DONE!"

When asked by a reporter at the White House on Thursday if he thinks Putin will listen to him, Trump responded, "I do, yeah."

The Russian attack came amid intensifying negotiations to end the war, with White House officials pressuring Zelenskyy and Ukraine to accept a potential peace plan that may include ceding land to Russia, according to a senior Ukrainian official. Trump on Wednesday accused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of prolonging "the killing field."

At the White House on Thursday, Trump said he has a "deadline" for negotiations to achieve a peace deal for the war in Ukraine and wants an agreement "fast."

"So we are thinking that very strongly that they both want peace, but they have to get to the table," he said. "We're waiting a long time. They have to get them to the table. And I think we're going to get peace."

Asked what concessions Russia has offered up to get closer to peace, Trump said, "Stopping the war. Stopping, taking the whole country. Pretty big concession."

Following the strike in Kyiv, Zelenskyy said he does not see signs of strong U.S. pressure on Russia.

"We believe that with greater pressure on the Russian Federation, we will be able to bring our sides closer, if you like. Although we are close," he said.

Zelenskyy, who is traveling in South Africa, said earlier Thursday that he would cancel part of his planned visit and return to Ukraine earlier than expected.

"It is extremely important that everyone around the world sees and understands what is really happening," he said. "Nearly 70 missiles, including ballistic ones. And about 150 attack drones."

Zelenskyy claimed the Russians used a ballistic missile manufactured in North Korea in the Kyiv attack, citing preliminary information.

"If the information that this missile was made in North Korea is confirmed, this will be further proof of the criminal nature of the alliance between Russia and Pyongyang," he said. North Korea has also supplied over 12,000 ground troops for the war, according to U.S. estimates.

At least 100 people were injured in the attacks Thursday, according to Zelenskyy.

At least 12 children were among the injured, according to Tymur Tkachenko, head of the Kyiv City Military Administration.

"Overnight, Russia held a massive attack on Ukraine," the Ministry of Defense said. "Cruise missiles, drones, ballistic weapons -- yet another strike on peaceful cities and Ukrainian homes."

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed the strike, saying the Russian "military continues to fulfill its tasks, which are set by the supreme commander-in-chief." He added that military orders from Moscow include striking "military and near-military targets."

Rescue operations were continuing early on Thursday in the capital, where first responders were digging through the rubble of residential buildings for survivors, defense officials said.

"These attacks are yet another confirmation -- Russia is not seeking peace. It continues to kill Ukrainians," the ministry said on social media.

Outside of Kyiv, Russia also targeted the Zhytomyr, Dnipropetrovsk, Kharkiv, Poltava, Khmelnytskyi, Sumy and Zaporizhzhia regions overnight into Thursday, the ministry said.

"While claiming to seek peace, Russia launched a deadly airstrike on Kyiv," Kaja Kallas, the European Union's high representative for Foreign Affairs, said on social media. "This isn't a pursuit of peace, it’s a mockery of it. The real obstacle is not Ukraine but Russia, whose war aims have not changed."

ABC News' Kelsey Walsh contributed to this report.

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