Donald Trump has sent Vladimir Putin a message begging him to “STOP” launching missiles on Ukraine following a horror overnight attack on Kyiv.
Taking to Truth Social, the social media platform he part owns, following the latest deadly Russian raid on the Ukrainian capital, the President pleaded with his Russian campaign to stop bombing the country and bid for peace instead.
The attack, which killed nine people and injured dozens more, has left hopes for peace between Russia and Ukraine in tatters days after Mr Trump gave what his administration said was a final opportunity to accept a deal on US terms.
World leaders rushed to condemn the violence after reports documenting the death and destruction emerged, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky declaring a “murderous” strike ordered by Putin.
Mr Trump, on the other hand, waited several hours more than most of his counterparts to post a capital letter-laden response on social media in a last-ditch bid to have the Russian despot take up the deal touted by his administration, calling the attack “bad timing”.
He wrote: “I am not happy with the Russian strikes on KYIV. Not necessary, and very bad timing. Vladimir, STOP! 5000 soldiers a week are dying. Lets get the Peace Deal DONE!”
The pleading message comes as the Kremlin is yet to offer a formal response to the President’s deal, which would see Ukraine hand over massive swathes of Russian occupied land – including Crimea – in exchange for European-backed defence guarantees and a western-backed rebuilding plan.
This is a breaking news story. Follow us on Google News , Flipboard , Apple News , Twitter , Facebook or visit The Mirror homepage.
Get email updates with the day’s biggest stories