United States President Donald Trump has spoken out against Russian President Vladimir Putin after missile and drone strikes hit Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, overnight.
Taking to social media on Thursday, Trump called on Putin to bring an end to the violence, warning that thousands of soldiers are being killed every week.
“I am not happy with the Russian strikes on KYIV,” Trump posted. “Not necessary, and very bad timing. Vladimir, STOP! 5,000 soldiers a week are dying. Let’s get the Peace Deal DONE!”
This isn’t the first time Trump has publicly criticized Putin this year. Back in March, he expressed frustration after Putin suggested removing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and replacing him with a transitional government—something Trump said made him “very angry.”
Trump’s criticism of Putin is unusual, as he’s typically spoken more favorably about him when commenting on the Ukraine conflict.
However, Trump has also been harsh toward Zelensky. In February, he lashed out at the Ukrainian leader, calling him a “dictator” and claiming, without evidence, that Zelensky’s popularity in Ukraine was low.
KanyiDaily recalls that in March, Donald Trump reportedly asked Volodymyr Zelenskyy to leave the White House after a tense and confrontational meeting in the Oval Office.