Former U.S. President Donald Trump expressed dismay over Russia’s deadly missile strike on a residential building in Kyiv. The attack, which killed 24 people—including three children—could hinder efforts to achieve peace in Ukraine, Trump said.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One while returning from China, Trump—who has attempted, so far unsuccessfully, to mediate an end to the war he called a “senseless slaughter”—said he had discussed the conflict with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Both leaders, he added, agreed they want hostilities to end.
“It’s something we’d like to see resolved. Up until last night, things looked good—but then they (the Ukrainians) took a serious hit last night. So it will happen (the war’s end). But it’s a shame,” Trump said, referring to the Russian strike.
Zelenskyy Demands Accountability
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called for Moscow to be held accountable for the attack, laying red roses at the ruins of the destroyed apartment block.
Retaliatory Claims and Denials
Russia claimed Ukrainian drones killed four people—including a child—during a nighttime strike on the Russian city of Ryazan. Both sides maintain they do not deliberately target civilians.
Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to travel to China next week to meet with Xi Jinping. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters that exact dates will be announced shortly. Peskov added that Putin hopes to discuss Trump’s recent visit to China, as well as bilateral relations and broader international issues.