In an unusually direct message to Russian President Vladimir Putin, former U.S. President Donald Trump expressed strong disapproval of Russia’s latest missile strikes on Kyiv that killed at least 10 people. Writing on his Truth Social platform early Thursday morning Washington time, Trump called the attacks “not necessary, and very bad timing,” adding bluntly: “Vladimir, STOP!”

The brief but striking post marked one of Trump’s rare public criticisms of Putin’s actions in Ukraine since the war began. “5000 soldiers a week are dying. Let’s get the Peace Deal DONE,” Trump concluded, reiterating his longstanding claim that he could quickly negotiate an end to the conflict. His intervention came just hours after he leveled harsh criticism at Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on the same platform.

The overnight strikes on Kyiv, described by Zelensky as “difficult” and “impudent,” targeted residential areas and critical infrastructure. Emergency crews worked through the night to pull survivors from rubble as air raid sirens wailed across the capital. The attack served as a grim reminder that after more than two years of fighting, Russia continues its relentless bombardment despite global condemnation.

Trump’s dual messages – criticizing both Putin’s escalation and Zelensky’s resistance to concessions – highlight his unconventional approach to the conflict. On Wednesday, he had dismissed Zelensky as “the man with no cards to play,” suggesting Ukraine’s leader should accept territorial losses to end the war. “He can have peace or, he can fight for another three years before losing the whole country,” Trump wrote, echoing his frequent claims that Ukraine’s position weakens by the day.

The former president’s latest comments come as he campaigns to return to the White House, where he has promised to resolve the Ukraine war immediately if reelected. “I will have it solved within one day, 24 hours,” Trump told reporters recently. With the 100th day of his hypothetical presidency approaching later this month, his social media posts appear designed to showcase his self-proclaimed dealmaking abilities.

Zelensky, currently on a diplomatic tour of Africa, responded to the attacks by calling for increased pressure on Moscow. During a shortened visit to South Africa, the Ukrainian leader emphasized that only stronger international sanctions and weapons supplies could force Russia to the negotiating table. His remarks followed Trump’s accusation that Zelensky undermined peace prospects by refusing to recognize Russia’s annexation of Crimea, which occurred in 2014.

The exchange highlights growing tensions between Trump and Zelensky as the U.S. presidential election approaches. While President Biden has maintained steadfast military support for Ukraine, Trump and some Republican allies have increasingly questioned the scale of American assistance. The differing approaches have left Ukrainian officials nervously watching U.S. politics, aware their country’s fate may hinge on November’s election results.

Military analysts note that Russia has intensified strikes on Ukrainian cities in recent weeks, possibly aiming to exploit delays in Western weapons deliveries and test Ukraine’s air defenses. The attacks have caused widespread power outages and civilian casualties, but failed to produce major battlefield breakthroughs. Meanwhile, Ukrainian forces continue targeting Russian positions with drones and missiles, keeping the conflict locked in a bloody stalemate.

As global leaders prepare for next month’s NATO summit in Washington, Trump’s comments inject new uncertainty into discussions about Ukraine’s future. His direct appeal to Putin – rare for its use of the Russian leader’s first name – suggests he views personal diplomacy as key to ending the war. However, critics argue such an approach could pressure Ukraine into accepting unfavorable terms rather than achieving a just peace.

The White House responded to the Kyiv strikes by announcing additional air defense systems for Ukraine, while European allies pledged more sanctions on Russian military suppliers. These moves contrast sharply with Trump’s focus on negotiated settlement, setting up a stark choice for American voters about how the U.S. should engage with the conflict.

With neither side able to deliver a knockout blow militarily, and diplomatic solutions remaining elusive, civilians continue paying the heaviest price. As rescue workers in Kyiv cleared debris from the latest strikes, survivors questioned when – or if – the world’s most powerful leaders could stop the bloodshed. For now, Trump’s shouted “STOP” to Putin joins countless other unanswered pleas for peace in Europe’s deadliest conflict since World War II.