Trump Asks Putin To Stop Attacks And Urges Peace Deal To Be Completed

JAKARTA - United States President Donald Trump called on Russian President Vladimir Putin to halt the attack and immediately finalize a peace agreement on the war in Ukraine, when Kyiv was hit by the biggest missile and drone attacks this year, leaving 12 people dead.

President Trump told reporters at the White House his government put "a lot of pressure" on Russia and reiterated his disapproval of the attack.

However, he said significant progress had been made in peace negotiations and the Kremlin had created a "big enough consensus" by being open to "stopping the war, stopping taking over the whole country," referring to Ukraine.

Kyiv's attack, which the US president said was "unnecessary" and "very bad time" as he pushed for peace, also injured 90 people, destroyed buildings and sparked fires, Ukrainian officials said. Rescue teams still found bodies from the rubble more than 12 hours later.

When asked if he had a deadline for both sides, President Trump said: "I have my own deadline, and we want it to be fast."

"I'm not happy with the Russian attack on Kyiv. No need, and the timing is so bad. Vladimir, Stop! 5000 soldiers are dying a week. Let's finish the Peace Agreement!" wrote President Trump on Truth Social.

When asked by a reporter if he thought Putin would listen to his call to stop the missile attack, Trump said "Yes."

The latest attack comes at a critical time in Russia's war in Ukraine, which began with a full-scale Moscow invasion in 2022.

"The next few days will be very important. The meeting is taking place now," said President Trump.

"I think we will make a deal. I think we are getting closer," he added.

Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, also at the White House, said further discussions were planned for the weekend, with Washington wanting to see Ukraine and Russia stepping forward to finalize the deal.

It is known that the White House has threatened to stop its efforts to reconcile Russia-Ukraine if no progress is made in the near future.