Trump urges Putin to ‘STOP!’ after deadly attack on Kyiv in rare criticism

Russia struck Kyiv with an hours-long barrage of missiles and drones

President Donald Trump has posted a message to Putin on Truth Social calling for the Russian leader to ‘stop’ (Alex Brandon/AP)

US president Donald Trump on Thursday offered rare criticism of Vladimir Putin, urging the Russian leader to “STOP!” after a deadly barrage of attacks on Kyiv, Ukraine’s capital.

“I am not happy with the Russian strikes on KYIV. Not necessary, and very bad timing. Vladimir, STOP! 5000 soldiers a week are dying,” Mr Trump said in a post on his Truth Social platform. “Lets get the Peace Deal DONE!”